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By the Light of the Fire 


A Collection of Short Stories 


BY 



Philadelphia /I 

The Penn Publishing Company 
1896 


T2-3 


Copyright, 1896, by H. L. C. Griffith 


COU^IFI^TS 


PACK 

The Ribbon of Gold 7 

For Home, FOR Freedom, Fatherland . . 55 

For Her Sake . 85 

The Man from Nowhere 99 

Dad’s Little Feller 144 

The Phases of the Honeymoon 163 


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1 1 


The T^ibbon of Gold 


M HE bright rays of the setting sun 
fell aslant the broad valley, 
casting huge shadows from the 
gigantic trees upon the moun- 
tain side, painting the landscape in a golden 
light, and sparkling and dancing across the 
unruffled waters of Lake Titicaca in the 
far distance. The gaudily-plumaged birds 
darted from thicket to thicket like flashes 
of fire ; a host of insects crawled and leaped 
and flew among the rank herbage ; while 
creepers and flowering vines encircled the 
enormous trunks of the forest-trees, forming a 
thickly-matted, impenetrable net- work. So 
brightly shone the sun upon the mountain 
path — though the day was quickly passing — 
it glanced, a shaft of light, from a golden 
morion, rising and falling with the steady, 
swinging stride of a powerfully built man. 
7 


The %ibbon of Gold 


He was very tall, this helmeted mountaineer, 
and his back was very broad. The muscles 
in his arms and shoulders stood out like iron. 
Moreover, he was exceedingly handsome, 
with large, honest eyes, opening like windows 
into his inmost soul ; a broad forehead, a 
firm-set mouth, and dark brown hair, falling 
in a glossy mane about his neck. At his 
side he wore a long sword ; upon his back 
was slung a heavy spear ; while the copper- 
wrought armor across his breast glittered 
with inlaid jewels. So erect was his bearing, 
so noble his aspect, surely no one was more 
worthy to wear the eagle’s feathers in his 
golden helmet — the insignia of nobility in 
the land beyond the mountains — no one 
could hold a better claim as a Child of the 
Sun. 

Scarcely five paces in the rear there fol- 
lowed a huge, tawny-colored animal, with 
large, glaring eyes and yellow, projecting 
fangs, and as it moved onward with stealthy, 
tiger-like tread, raising its head from time to - 
time to sniff the air, it resembled more nearly 
some fierce wild beast than a trusty com- 
8 


The 'T^ibhon of Gold 

rade. When the man stopped the brute 
stopped also ; when he proceeded, it con- 
tinued onward, and always there remained 
between the two exactly the same distance — 
five paces, never more, nor less. 

Suddenly the stillness was broken by a low 
growl. The man turned quickly and the 
beast cowered upon the ground in fear. 

“What ails you, Como?” his ma.ster 
asked. “You are not wont to speak save 
when danger threatens or hunger prompts. 
Is It some pleasing odor from the village 
below which awakens within you an unsatis- 
fied appetite, or has our long journey across 
the Mountains of Gold brought weariness? 
Yet your strength is great — far greater than 
your master's, and I do not complain. But 
see ! Yonder Lake Titicaca spreads its 
waters like a sheet of silver, and upon her 
banks lie the palaces of the Granite City, our 
destination. Come.” 

So saying the man quickened his pace, 
and the beast, lashing its tail from side to 
side and growling angrily, obediently fol- 
lowed. They descended a steep incline, 
9 


The ’'gibbon of Gold 

where the mountain road entered a tangle 
of vines and bushes, but scarcely had they 
advanced a half furlong, when there was a 
hasty movement among the thickets and out 
from behind a large tree sprang two fierce- 
looking men. Their hair was long and 
matted ; their coarse, woolen garments hung 
in rags. Each bore in one hand a clumsy 
shield of dried deerskin, while in the other 
he grasped a short and heavy battle-axe. 
The brigands — for such they undoubtedly 
were — brandished their weapons threaten- 
ingly, and ere the mountaineer had time to 
draw his sword in defense the battle-axes 
were raised above his head. But at that 
moment, when the blows were about to be 
dealt and death seemed so imminent, there 
was a mighty roar and the huge creature, 
with fiery e)'^es and hideous, wide-open 
mouth, crouching upon the ground, prepared 
to spring. The uncouth highwaymen were 
overpowered with terror. I'he bright flush 
of their sun-tanned faces turned to a deathly 
pallor ; their uplifted arms seemed paralyzed, 
and their legs trembled as though with palsy. 


lO 


The "gibbon of Gold 

For an instant they stood totally unnerved, 
then with wild cries, dropping their weapons 
upon the ground, they dashed the bushes 
aside and rushed madly down a steep, uneven 
path which intersected the mountain road. 
The beast, with a mighty bound, sprang in 
pursuit, but the man uttered a quick word 
of command and instantly it quailed before 
him, subdued. 

“ You are too eager for conflict, Como,” 
he said, smiling. ‘ ‘ Discretion is most sadly 
wanting. Yet you are a brave and trusty 
friend. Had it hot been for your impressive 
voice, I fear you might have lost a master. 
Twice ere now have you saved me from sud- 
den death, and twice, in gratitude, have I 
counted myself your debtor. How often, 
think you. Old Fire-eyes, can one encounter 
dangers or endure hardships till he fall a 
victim of ill-fortune ? How long till I sink 
into the endless sleep and my spirit return to 
its Father, The Ruler of Day? You cannot 
tell ? No, nor can any living thing, whether 
it move on two legs or four. Yet this I 
know, an Enca falls with weapon in hand. 


The %ibhon of Gold 

and when my time does come, be it in youth 
or age, I shall be prepared. But ’twill be 
hard to part from such a valiant protector. ’ ’ 

He stooped and caressed the great head, 
and the brute, in mute affection, licked his 
master’s hand with its blood-red tongue. 
Presently the man straightened up. 

Come, old friend,” he continued, “the 
shadows of evening are lengthening. We 
must onward;” and quickly he proceeded 
down the rough road. 

But Como, the beast, though following, 
seemed restless and ill at ease. With head 
erect, he would glance alertly to right and 
left, sniff the bushes and tree-trunks, and 
snarling as though in anger, stop abruptly 
and look behind. The mountaineer took 
little notice of these signs of temper — for 
well he knew his companion’s excitable dis- 
position — and hastened forward, till failing 
to hear the sound of snapping twigs to which 
in his long journey he had grown accus- 
tomed, he turned. Como had disappeared. 
He called, but there was no movement in 
response. He retraced his steps, shouting 


12 


The T^ibbon of Gold 

as he went, but only his voice broke the 
silence. Then, with a frown that boded no 
gentle caresses for the beast when it should 
overtake him, he hastened down the moun- 
tain side to the little village in the valley 
below. 

Everything in the narrow, unpaved streets 
that day denoted life and activity ; for this 
was the time when harvesting was at an end 
— the gladsome time when the whole fair 
land signified its joy for plentiful crops by 
feasting and general celebration. The houses 
were gayly decorated with many-colored 
streamers ; the trees in the open square were 
encircled with garlands of flowers ; and 
throughout the whole day new arrivals of 
happy country-folk joined in the processions 
and gathered laughingly about the jugglers, 
clowns, and the various other centres of 
amusement. 

The mountaineer pushed his way through 
the motley throng, his golden helmet with 
its eagle feathers rising far above the heads 
of those around, and never halted in his 
•Steady march until he had gained the public 
1 .^ 


The %ibbon of Gold 

square. Here a large crowd had assembled, 
and, pressing closely about a platform raised 
a few feet from the ground, watched a heavy, 
thick -set man as he performed wonderful 
feats of strength. He was hideously ugly, 
this Hercules, with a large, projecting jaw, 
hooked nose, and narrow eyes — mere slits 
beneath his bushy brows. Yet he was very 
strong. With the utmost ease, he could 
snap a sturdy sapling in his hands ; burst 
heavy rings of copper upon his arms by the 
mere expansion of the muscles ; and drive 
rough wedges into logs with blows from his 
horny fi.st. The people applauded freely, 
and many showed their appreciation by lib- 
eral gifts. Between each act he would turn 
to a round jug of yellow liquor, standing at 
one end of the platform, and partly for re- 
freshment, partly to show his enormous 
capacity, would drink long and copiously. 
Whether owing to the loud applause or to 
the frequent draughts, his vanity seemed 
to increase with every moment, and strut- 
ting about like some undefeated fighting- 
cock, he would boi.sterously proclaim 
14 


The %tbbon of Gold 

his great strength and wonderful perform- 
ances. 

“ Is there one in all Enca-land to be com- 
pared with me?” he shouted. “ Who is so 
strong? Who so mighty? Unarmed, I 
have slain wild beasts. All men fear me. 

I am the greatest wrestler eyes have ever be- 
held. There is not one dares dispute my 
title Come ! Who will test my strength ? 
To any man who can throw me before I lay 
him upon his back, I will yield all the gifts 
I have received this day. Come ! Who 
dares?” And laughing coarsely, he turned 
once again to the earthen jug, now almost 
emptied of its contents. 

Just then there was a stir among the spec- 
tators on the outer edge of the square. Two 
men with long spears in their hands, struck 
out left and right, crying lustily as they cut 
a road through the crowd: “Make way!. 
Make way for a lady of rank ! ’ ’ 

Behind them, raised high upon the shoul- 
ders of four bearers, there followed a travel- 
ing-chair, in which was seated a young and 
beautiful woman. She .smiled sweetly as she 

15 


The %ibbon of Gold 


looked down upon the throng, pressing so 
closely around her, and the honest villagers, 
ever ready to recognize nobility, gave hearty 
cheers in return. 

The mountaineer had elbowed his way up 
to the platform, where he stood watching 
the wrestler, yet with only a half-hearted in- 
terest, for long service among brave men had 
accustomed him to feats of strength and 
daring. But when the beautiful lady ap- 
peared, instantly his attention was aroused. 
He touched a man beside him upon the 
shoulder and inquired her name. 

“ What ! You do not know?” cried the 
other. ‘‘ Surely, age has not dimmed your 
eyesight. That is the Lady Oella.” 

‘ ‘ I am a stranger. Is she of royal birth ?’ ’ 

“You are a stranger indeed if you do not 
know the golden ribbon upon her dress. 
She is joined in relationship to the Knca. 
himself.” 

“ Not in wedlock?” 

“ No, no. By blood alone. The fair 
Oella inclines not toward wedlock. ’ ’ 

“Yet she must have many suitors.” 

i6 


The l^bboh of Gold 


‘‘Aye. But she will choose none. It is 
said that Tapan Huaynac, even, has long 
sought to gain her affection, and if he fail 
who can hope for success? Huaynac is a 
mighty man and much feared. ’ ’ He looked 
at the stranger quickly. “ Perhaps you have 
heard his reputation ’’ ’ 

“No I come from beyond the moun- 
tains. ’ ’ 

Ah ! Doubtless you are of rank your- 
self,” and he glanced at the golden helmet 
and bejeweled breastpiece. 

“ I hold a title,” replied the other, mod- 
estly. 

Meanwhile the lady in the chair was 
borne nearer and nearer, and it was evident 
that her course must lead clo.se by the spot 
where the mountaineer stood. He gazed at 
her earnestly with sincere admiration in his 
frank, wide-open eyes. It seemed to him 
that he had never beheld a woman so 
beautiful. How good and kind her look ! 
How winning her smile ! Surely it was 
little, wonder that the people loved her. 

And now the spearmee, by- much pushing 

17 


2 


The %ibbon of Gold 


and shouting, had gained a passage right up 
to the platforn’ itself, yet they did not stop 
— though the performance might have inter- 
ested them greatly had they been at leisure 
— but forced their way onward. 

It was just at this moment that the wrest- 
ler, having drunk the last drop of the liquor, 
set dovm the jug and turned toward the ex- 
pectant crowd. His eyes rested upon the 
Lady Oella, now close beside the platform, 
and he smiled in a hideous grimace. 

“ Ah !” he cried thickly, for the frequent 
quaffings had begun to work their inevitable 
result. “Ah! A beautiful lady has come 
to show her admiration by some generous 
gift. She wishes to see the man who dares 
accept my challenge. ’ ’ He leaned over and 
resting one hand upon the chair grasped 
with the other the ribbon of gold interwoven 
with fine vicuna wool which hung from 
Oella’s shoulder. 

“See,” he shouted; “here is a prize 
worth winning. Who will try to gain it?” 

Instantly the crowd was all excitement. 
Such a deed' of barefaced effrontery had 

i8 


Tbe %ibbon of Gold 

never been dreamed of in that little village 
To insult a lady of rank ! And above all, 
the Lady Oella herself ! Surely the man 
must be mad ! The women screamed ; the 
men shouted and gesticulated. But none 
dared risk a struggle with such a powerful 
man. None? Yes; there was one. With 
flushed face and flashing eyes the moun- 
taineer dashed forward and sprang upon the 
platform. Without a moment’s hesitation 
he grasped the wrestler firmly by the wrist 
and snatched the ribbon from his hand ; 
then stooping, he lifted the man and tossed 
him far out upon the heads of the crowd. 
The people cheered in approval — very brave 
when some one sets an example — and seizing 
the braggart while he was still in air, passed 
him, kicking, biting, cursing, from one to 
the other, and finally threw him heavily 
upon the ground, where he lay brui.sed and 
humiliated. Then they turned their atten- 
tion to the broad-shouldered man upon the 
platform. He advanced toward the Lady 
Oella, and with -a low bow returned the 
golden ribbon. As he did so he noticed 

19 


The %ibbon of Gold 

that the bright badge was streaked with 
blood from a wound in his hand, where his 
opponent’s claw-like nails had entered the 
flesh, and, blushing scarlet, he said : 

“I regret that the red stain must carry 
with it such an unpleasant remembrace. ’ ’ 

“Call it not a stain,” she replied, smil- 
ing. “It is the stamp of bravery.” 

“Bravery,” he said, earnestly, “belongs 
not to a deed when one hopes for reward. ’ ’ 

“Reward?” she exclaimed, surprised, 
for the man’s bearing led her to expect no 
such reply. “What reward would you 
have ?’ ’ 

“I could ask none greater than the ap- 
proval of the Lady Oella,” and, springing 
lightly to the ground, he turned away. But 
a hand was laid heavily upon his shoulder, 
and a high-pitched, rasping voice exclaimed : 

“Stop! What is the meaning of thts 
brawl?” 

The speaker was a tall, thin man with 
piercing, restless eyes and sallow complexion. 
.\ large helmet half concealed his iron-gray 
hair, and copper armor protected his 


20 


The ‘gibbon of Gold 


shoulders and breast. With a band of some 
dozen armed followers, he had quickly 
pushed his way through the crowd while the 
wrestler was making his aerial journey, and 
so great was the noise and commotion that 
his arrival had scarcely been noticed. 

“ What is the meaning of this brawl ?” 

'Fhe Lady Oella heard the harsh words, 
and a shadow clouded the sweet expression 
of her face. Turning quickly, before the 
mountaineer had chance to speak, she re- 
plied, “It is no brawl. Counsellor Huaynac. 
He has bravely defended me against in.sult 
when no other dared. I gladly give him 
my approval and heart-felt thanks in re- 
turn and she smiled bewitchingly upon 
her protector as he stood proudly erect. 

Huaynac noticed the smile, and he 
frowned, while his eyes grew dark with 
anger. 

“Begone!” he cried, whirling fiercely 
upon the crowd pushing and jostling around 
them. “ You are like a troop of monkeys 
in your inquisitiveness. Go ! or my men 
shall give you cause.” And the peqple 


The T^bbon of Gold 


quickly scattered in all directions, for every 
one respected 'I'apan Huaynac, the chief 
counsellor of the Enca. Then he turned 
once again to the mountaineer. 

‘ ‘ What is your name ?’ ’ he asked, ab- 
ruptly. 

“ Manco,” was the reply, yet given not 
without some hesitation. 

‘ ‘ Manco ? And whence do you come ?’ ’ 

“ From beyond the mountains.” 

‘ ‘ 'I'he Mountains of Gold ?’ ’ 

“ Yes.” 

“ From the land of Tatua?” 

“Aye.” 

Huaynac uttered a half-smothered ex- 
clamation, as though in surprise, and looked 
.searchingly at the tall form, crowned with 
the feathered morion, at the embellished 
breast-piece, the long sword, and heavy 
spear. 

“ Do you come alone?” he inquired. 

“Alone.” 

“ And why do you come?” 

“As a traveler. A seeker after knowl- 
edge. ’ ’ 


22 


The T^bbon of Gold 

“To carry back such information as may 
be of advantage?” and Huaynac gave him 
a keen look from his piercing eyes. 

“Surely,” replied the other. “ Tatua is 
a mighty realm. Its people are prosperous. 
Yet they have much to learn. Enca-land, 
with its ancient and wise laws, its advanced 
culture, its power and strength, can furnish 
valuable information.” 

“And doubtless you will be pleased to 
learn of our weaknesses also.” 

“Yes; that we may avoid them.” 

The Counsellor scowled and muttering 
unintelligibly, stepped to the side of the 
traveling-chair. 

“The day is at an end. Lady Oella,” he 
said, and his manner betokened undisguised 
admiration for the beautiful woman. “ I 
will escort you to Titicaca.” 

‘ ‘ I wish no escort, ’ ’ she replied with 
firmness. 

He winced slightly at the words, but his 
voice failed to betray emotion. 

“ The darkness is descending. You may 
need protection.” 


23 


The %ibbon of Gold 

“Titicaca is scarce two hours distant. 
The moon is a trusty guide and I could de- 
sire no more courageous defenders than my 
attendants — ^and this valiant traveler.” 

Manco, the mountaineer, drew himself up 
to his full height, and, stepping forward, 
laid one hand protectingly upon the deco- 
rated chair. And though he said no word, 
his actions spoke volumes. 

'I'apan Huaynac gave him a fierce look — 
a look of rage and hate — muttered a curse, 
and with a gruff command to his followers, 
moved rapidly away. 

“ Let us onward,” said the T^ady Oella, 
and at the word the spearmen advanced, the 
four bearers followed, and the chair with its 
fair occupant, Manco marching by its side, 
cro.ssed the square, traveled through the nar- 
row .streets, and proceeded speedily along 
the highway which led to Titicaca. 

Presently the tops of the distant moun- 
tains were tipped with light, and the moon 
sprang up, a ball of silver. But the thick, 
interwoven branches of the tropical forest 
cast huge blankets of darkness across the 

24 


The 'gibbon of Gold 

road, save where, through an occasional 
opening among the trees, the bright rays 
streamed in a radiant flood. 

The spearmen halted, lighted great torches 
of resinous wood, and again moved forward. 
The flickering light danced and leapt in the 
thickets, climbed the long, sinuous creepers, 
sprang and darted and crept from limb to 
limb among the giant trees, and hid itself 
behind the quivering leaves and impenetra- 
ble vines. Every few paces, startled birds 
or animals, rudely awakened, would flutter 
among the branches or dash across the high- 
way to some safe retreat in the darkness. 

Lady Oella seemed very thoughtful. She 
sat motionleas, save for the swaying motion 
of the chair, gazing straight before her, and 
the bright light from the blazing torches 
showed an anxious, pensive expression upon 
her face. Of what was she thinking? Of 
the dangers the night might encompass ? But 
there was no fear in her steady look. Of 
Tapan Huaynac and his undesired affection ? 
Or of some other, some true and valorous 
admirer? Who can say? She locked the 

25 


The ^{ibbon of Gold 


thought within her heart and hid the key. 
And so for some time they progressed in 
silence, till at length Oella spoke. 

“Manco,” she murmured, as though to 
herself. “ ’Tis a strange name.” Then, 
with a start, her eyes forsook the broad road, 
and, blushing in embarrassment, she glanced 
at her stalwart defender. 

He looked up and smiled. 

“ ’Tvvas not of my choosing, lady.” 

She laughed gayly, and the mountains 
caught up the merriment, echoing it softly 
across the broad valley. 

“ It is well chosen,” she said ; “ for the 
name sounds with a brave ring.” 

.\gain there was silence, but this time her 
thoughtful gaze rested gently u])on the 
golden morion and eagle feathers rising and 
falling by her side. 

“If you visit Enca-land in search of 
knowledge,” she said, suddenly, “why 
have you come alone ?’ ’ 

“And, pray, why not alone?” 

‘ ‘ Are you sent ?’ ’ 

“Yes.” 


26 


The T^bbon of Gold 


“ By your Enca?” 

“•lam his son.” He said it modestly, 
yet with a certain pride. 

“His son!” she exclaimed. “The 
Enca’s son ! And you journey without at- 
tendants ?’ ’ 

“I desired none. Yet I had one com- 
panion. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ And where is he ?’ ’ 

“ I know not. ” 

“ Surely he has not forsaken you?” 

“ Yes. But it was to avenge an insult he 
imagined had been wrought me;” and he 
smiled as he thought of Como, the beast. 
“ VVe chanced to meet two comely, though 
ragged highwaymen upon the mountain’s 
slope, but theij: courage was worn threadbare 
as their garments, for scarcely had they 
caught sight' of my fierce comrade than they 
vanished through the thickets. My attend- 
ant — if it please you so to term him — is 
ever eager for the fray, and though I did 
caution him to restrain his ferocious temper, 
he gave no heed and hastened in pursuit. ’ ’ 

“ But what if they kill him?” 

27 


The %ibbon of Gold 


‘ ‘ Then vve part ere we had thought, ’ ’ he 
replied, sadly. 

There was a silent pause, then the Lady 
Oella sighed. Manco looked up inquiringly 
as though to ask her thoughts, but her head 
was turned away. 

“ It seems strange,” she began presently, 
speaking in a low, earnest voice, “ very 
strange that you and I should meet thus. 
We are the children of two great nations. 
Each of noble birth. Each proud of his 
rank, his ancestors, his native land. How 
alike we are, yet how different ! How near, 
yet how far apart !” .\nd again she sighed. 

“We have much in common,” Manco 
responded. “ We love the true, the good, 
the brave. We worship the light. We are 
the offspring of the great Giver of Life. 
We believe that when at length our bodies 
sink into eternal darkness, our spirits return 
to our Father, the Ruler of Day. ’ ’ 

“ Yet ‘a prophecy rises between us.” She 
said it gently, sorrowfully. 

‘ ‘ A prophecy ?’ ’ he asked. 

“Yes. Have you not heard that, some 
28 


The T^ibbon of Gold 


generations since, when Enca-land was 
harassed by wars with surrounding nations, 
two brothers, of equal age, quarreled as to 
which should be the Enca — the acknowl- 
edged ruler?” 

“ So I have been taught. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ And that one, cruel and merciless, did 
wickedly drive forth the other from his 
home ?” 

“It is unknown to us.” 

“Our wise men said, yes, and 'tis oft re- 
peated, that some day Enca-land would fall 
beneath the conquering advance of Tatua ; 
and that the cruelty of one brother must at 
some future time be avenged b)- the descend- 
ants of the other. ’ ’ 

“ And do you believe it?” he laughed, 
for to him it .seemed but an idle tale. 

“It Isa prophecy,” she replied, seriously. 
“Why should I not believe it?” 

“And the people — what do they think ?” 

“ The prediction is known but to those of 
rank, and by them feared as true. I would 
warn- you, friend MaiK;o, siitce you have 
been of such service, be on your guard. 

29 


The %ibbon of Gold 

You should not travel in a strange land with- 
out some trusty followers. ’ ’ 

“I have my sword,” he answered, val- 
iantly. 

“Aye, and your intrepid bravery. But 
what is one weapon against many ? What is 
courage against overpowering strength?” 

“Yet I fear no foe.” 

“ That I do readily believe. But beware. 
Already there is one who hates you.” 

He glanced at her quickly. 

‘ ‘ That boastful bravado — the wrestler ?’ ’ 

“A far greater enemy than he. One who 
has wealth, rank, and position. Ambitious, 
suspicious, revengeful.” She leaned forward 
and whispered intensely : “ Beware of Tapan 
Huaynac. ” 

At that instant the stillness of the night 
was broken by a piercing scream. It came 
from the highway ; a cry, a shriek, ringing 
out so loud and shrill it sounded close be- 
hind them. 

“Hark!” exclaimed the Lady Oella, 
grasping the chair’s side agitatedly. “ What 
was.tliat?”- • 


30 


The %ibbon of Gold 

Again the scream resounded, as though in 
reply, awaking loud echoes in the forest’s 
depth, then followed the harsh voices of 
angry men. The bearers stopped instinct- 
ively and stood listening. 

“ Is it some wild beast?” 

“ No, no. The cry was human.” 

“A woman, think you? Alone? Unpro- 
tected? Can no aid be given?” 

She turned tov^ard him with such an ap- 
pealing look upon her beautiful face, it could 
not but arouse his sympathetic interest. Her 
words, her glance, her manner a.sked the 
question, and his eyes flashed back an 
answer. 

“ I will go,” he said, and sprang away. 

Stumbling and slipping, he groped his 
way along the broad road, and with each 
step new obstacles arose before him. The 
loose rocks seemed like boulders ; the holes 
and ruts Iflce pitfalls ; and as he hastened on, 
the overhanging branches snatched at his 
long hair and covered his face with bloody 
Scratches. And now he dashed across a 
patch of moonlight — from the gloom On 

31 


The ^T^bbon of Gold 

one side into the blackness on the other. 
Another belt of brightness, and still another. 
'Fhen a long stretch of impenetrable dark- 
ness. Suddenly he stopped. There was the 
sound of low voices just before him. He 
drew his sword (phckly with but little noise, 
yet the action was detected, for immedi- 
ately a heavy spear grazed his shoulder and 
fell among the stones of the highway witli 
a resounding clatter. He sprang forward, 
sla.shing with his long sword as he went, 
above and below, left and right. And now 
the sword cut the empty air ; cla.shed against 
helmets, breastjdates,- and weapons ; now 
found a resting-i)lace upon some unseen 
enemy ; now carved the empty air again. 
Then all was still. - Oh, for light ! He 
would face any danger, meet any foe, though 
he were many times outnumbered. But this 
darkness, hemming him in on every side, 
this waiting and inactivity — it was unen- 
durable. He advanced a ste]). Instantly 
there was the sharp whiz of a battle-axe, 
and staggering from side to side, clutching 
madly at the emptiness around him, he fell 

32 


The '^R^bbon of Gold 

— struck down by a powerful blow from be- 
hind. 

5f; ^ ^ jjs 

I'he moon sailed majestically onward 
across the cloudless sky, and disappeared 
beyond the distant hills. Night melted into 
day ; the darkne.ss into light, and the fiery 
glow of the heavens proclaimed the rising 
sun. At the proclamation, Titicaca, the 
(iranite City, awoke. 'The palaces opened 
the many windows in their thick walls and 
thrust tall towers skyward, like long fingers, 
calling attention to the King of Day. 'The 
fishing-boats upon the lake, veritable sea- 
birds asleep, spread their wings — some 
yellow, some brown — and glided gently, 
noi.selessly away. 'I'he shops and stands in 
the narrow streets disclo.sed their wares to 
the critical gaze of the pa.ssers-by. And 
rich and poor, high and low, young and old, 
began their daily life of toil, of plea.sure, or 
of sin. 

As was his custom, Tapan Huaynac made 
the Knca a morning visit — though at a .some- 
what early hour. He was ushered into the 
3 33 


The %ibhon of Gold 


great reception hall, the walls of which were 
inlaid with gold and precious stones — for 
this was an age when jewels held but little 
value and the golden metal lost in worth 
through quantity. While waiting he studied 
witn close attention the skins of wild beasts 
which completely hid the floor. He had 
often seen these before. Many, many times 
he had trodden upon the flattened heads and 
caught his feet in the long, matted hair. 
He could remember these skins, when in 
life they covered the backs of ferocious 
brutes. He had watched them in the arena, 
the Square of Death, in fierce struggles with 
prisoners of state, criminals, and political 
offenders. This one had slain a highway- 
man ; this, a murderer ; and yonder huge 
hide belonged to that unconquerable animal 
which had torn to pieces a spy from a hostile 
nation. Yes, he knew them all ; yet he 
looked around with no little intere.st, and as 
he looked he smiled. 

Presently the Enca entered, accompanied 
by two brawny attendants, armed with lengthy 
swords. His rich garments of fine vicuna 
34 


The %tbbon of Gold 


wool sparkled with innumerable gems, and 
from shoulder to waist, across his broad 
chest, hung a golden ribbon — the sign of 
rank. 

Tapan Huaynac, stepping forward, made 
a low obei.sance, yet he said nothing, for it 
was not for him first to speak. 

The Enca acknowledged the respectful 
greeting by a slight inclination of the head, 
and, proceeding to the end of the room, 
seated himself upon a couch. 

“You come early. Counsellor Huaynac,” 
he said, and as he spoke one could note the 
full, sensuous lips and lines of weakness, de- 
noting a character easily moved by flattery. 

“ I come upon business most urgent and 
important, great Enca,” Huaynac replied. 

“You have visited the neighboring 
towns?” 

“As you commanded, and found the 
people joyously celebrating the Harvest 
Feast, in strict observance of the law. ’ ’ 

“Then what most important matter 
proves so urgent? Have you unearthed 
some deed of crime ?” 

35 


l 


The %ibbon of Gold 

“Aye, ’tis a crime indeed.” 

“Surely Counsellor Huaynac can award 
the punishment,” and he shifted his position 
fretfully, as though weary of the subject. 

Huaynac drew a few steps nearer, his eyes 
riveted upon the ruler’s face. 

“It is no common offense,” he said, 
speaking low and rapidly; “and just pun- 
ishment can be meted by the great Enca 
alone. ’ ’ 

'I'he other looked at him quickly, then his 
glance wandered from one to the other of 
the huge skins upon the floor. 

“ La.st night,” Huaynac continued, “ two 
of my followers, while proceeding peaceably 
along the public highway, were set upon by 
a fierce ruffian, and so sudden was the attack 
that one of them was slain. That crime 
alone merits the Square of Death, great 
filnca, as is the law, but murder is his least 
transgression. He is a stranger to Enca- 
land.” 

“ A spy-?” 

“Yes.” 


36 


“ From whence?” 


The gibbon of Gold 

Huaynac’s piercing eyes seemed to be 
reading the other’s inmost thoughts, as he 
replied : “ From Tatua.” 

“ Tatua !” 

The Enca sprang to his feet in great ex- 
citement. 

“Tatua!” he repeated. “Know you 
this to be true?” 

“ He hiimself has acknowledged it, and 
though pretending to be but a traveler, un- 
doubtedly is a spy. ’ ’ 

“ Yet why did he attack your men ?” 

“ Not as a robber, no, no. But that, by 
overpowering, he might force them with 
threats to disclose valuable secrets as to our 
defenses. Remember the prophecy, noble 
Enca. ’ ’ 

“ .^ye aye; the prophecy! But it can- 
not come true. It shall not ! Whether this 
man be spy or no, Enca-land will receive no 
travelers from Tatua. Where is he ! Surely 
you have not allowed him to escape?” 

“ He is without.” 

“ Ah ! ” He paced restlessly back and 
forth, glancing from time to time at the en- 
37 


The %ibhon of Gold 

trance, then seated himself once again upon 
the couch. 

“ Bring him,” he said. 

Huaynac stepped to the open door, and 
in reply to his sharp command the armed 
attendants, standing on either side, moved 
cpiickly away. Then recro.ssing the room, 
he took his position close beside the couch, 
remaining silent, motionless almost, with one 
foot upon the lifeless head of that huge 
creature which had torn in pieces the cap- 
tured spy. 

Presently the two men returned, leading 
Manco between them, his hands securely 
bound. His face was pale and haggard, but 
his eyes had lost none of their brightness, 
his bearing was still erect and noble. He 
was a prisoner, but his dauntless spirit was 
free. He was accused of the gravest offense, 
yet knew him.self innocent. And as he 
moved majestically forward, his tall form 
towering above his guards, unarmed and 
alone among enemies, the bared head seemed 
worthy the richest crown, the fearless look 
deserved sincerest homage. The two at- 

38 


The T{ibbon of Gold 

tendants appeared to follow rather than con- 
duct, and though their prisoner proceeded 
until close before the couch, they made no 
effort to restrain him. 

“ You have sent for me?” he asked. 

'I’he Enca frowned. It was for him to 
question, not this spying .stranger. 

“ You have been summoned to answer a 
serious charge,” he said. “What brings 
you to Enca-land ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Is traveling an offense ?’ ’ 

“ Aaswer me.” 

“ I have already done .so. I am a trav- 
eler. I come to learn your strength — your 
weakness. ’ ’ 

“ Ah,” whispered Huaynac. “ Is it not 
as I said?” 

‘ ‘ But why should a citizen of Tatua desire 
such information ?’ ’ the Enca inquired. 

“ That his land may profit thereby. Yet 
I am no spy, though your words and look 
so proclaim me. I seek that knowledge 
which will aid Tatua in her advance toward 
greatness. I come in peace. Why is my 
liberty thus removed ? Have I done aught 
39 


The %tbbon of Gold 


to deserve such an affront ? It is unjust. It 
is unworthy this mighty realm ; aye, un- 
worthy a great ruler. ’ ’ 

The Knca clenched his' hands in rage and 
his face colored to a deep crim.son. He 
tried to speak, but so great was his emotion 
the words choked him, and turning to 
Huaynac he pointed at the man before him 
and nodded imperatively, as though bidding 
the Counsellor reply. 

“ Knca-land’s laws are unalterable,” 
Huaynac said, calmly, and his voice ex- 
pres.sed satisfaction. “ He who kills another 
must fight with wild beasts ; and you have 
committed that crime.” 

‘ ‘ I struck in the dark, ’ ’ Manco replied. 
“ ’Twas in self-defense.” 

“ You have no witnesses.” 

The prisoner gazed at the other intently, 
and his eyes flashed. 

“ Tapan Huaynac could furnish witnesses, 
did he so desire,” he responded, scornfully. 

For an instant the Counsellor seemed con- 
fused, but presently added, “The law de- 
crees that captured spies must struggle for 
40 


The gibbon of Gold 


their freedom in the Square of Death. And 
you are a spy. ’ ’ 

“It is false ! ’ ’ 

'I'he Enca arose, ha.stily. 

“'Phis man shall die,” he exclaimed, 
pa.ssionately. “ He merits instant death ; 
but since the law has fixed the punishment, 
it must be bestowed.” 

“ Your decisions are ever wise and just, 
great Enca,” Huaynac said. 

‘ ‘ Three days hence, ’ ’ the ruler continued, 
addressing Manco, “at the close of day, 
you must meet in conflict two wild beasts, 
in quick succession. If, perchance, you 
slay the one, then must you encounter the 
other ; and should the fates which ever 
rule our lives lead you to subdue the 
second, then shall the gates be thrown open 
and you .shall go free. Your sentence is 
pronounced. ” 

Manco’s steadfast, fearless look was un- 
changed, and there was no trembling in his 
voice as he replied : “I am innocent of the 
accusations for which I am condemned ; yet, 
I will fight to the death. ’ ’ 

41 


The %ibbon of Gold 

He turned, and with his guards moved 
toward the door. 

But at that instant there was a great com- 
motion without, and a woman dashed into 
the room. It was the Lady Oella. 

“ Stop !” she cried, agitatedly. “ Stop !” 

She flung henself upon her knees before 
the Enca and raised her face to his im- 
ploringly. 

‘ ‘ Have you sentenced him ?’ ’ she ex- 
claimed. “ No, no. He is guiltless. lam 
sure of it. He protected me against the 
insult of a drunken ruffian, and in return I 
would save him. ’ ’ 

The Enca turned to Huaynac, inquiringly. 

“It is true, noble Enca,” the Counsellor 
replied, with reluctance. “But one cour- 
ageous deed does not make him any less a 
spy. Remember the prophecy.” 

“ He is not a spy.” 

“You have no proofs,” said Huaynac, 
coldly, for he could not endure the sight 
of the woman he loved thus pleading for 
another. 

“ He is condemned,” the Enca declared. 


42 


The %ibbon of Gold 


“ He is naught to you. 'Fhree days hence 
he must meet his punishment in the Square 
of Death.” 

” No, no, no. He mu.st not ! He shall 
not ! You know not what you do. He is 
brave ; he is noble. To punish him would 
bring swift vengeance upon our land. He 
is of rank.” 

“My name is Manco,” the prisoner in- 
terrupted. “ I claim no title.” 

“He is condemned,” repeated the ruler. 

Her beautiful face was wet with tears ; her 
voice broken with emotion. She wept and 
entreated. She seized the Enca’s hand and 
endeavored by earnest supplication to gain 
his forgiveness. But to no avail. And 
why should he yield ? She was but a 
weak woman, pleading for a man who 
had rendered her a service ; he was the 
ruler of all Enca-land and must enforce the 
laws. 

They raised her gently from her knees, 
and, with futile efforts to calm her hysterical 
weeping, led her from the room. And 
Manco, the prisoner, condemned to death, 
43 


The %ibbo/i of Gold 

yet fearless, bowed his head in reverence as 
she passed. 

Two days dragged slowly by. What anx- 
iety the Lady Oella suffered during that 
time ! For the man who had protected her 
from insult — the brave man, who seemed the 
very personification of noblenes.s, was in 
peril of his life. And she alone was to 
blame ! It was for her .sake that he had in- 
curred Huaynac’s enmity, and it was she 
who had urged him to hasten through the 
darkness in response to that pretended cry 
for aid. Oh ! why had she not discerned 
the trap — the bait to tempt a valiant man ? 
But it was too late now. He was a prisoner ; 
sentenced to fight with wild bea.sts. Ah, 
she knew what that meant. Almost certain 
death. Many, very many had suffered a 
similar fate. How few had ever gained a 
victory over the first hungry and ferocious 
brute ! And to conquer the second ? There 
were none. 

And now two days had pa.ssed. The third 
day was at hand. Morning, noon, evening. 
Sunset and the close of day. 

44 


The T(ibbon of Gold 

The warm, red glow poured in a flood of 
light into the Square of Death, sweeping 
across the expectant crowd, banked row 
upon row behind the protecting wall, across 
the high seats occupied by those of rank, 
across the broad arena, the scene of many a 
bloody conflict, and bathing from head to 
foot with its crimson dye the tall, solitary 
figure of a man, standing alone, imprisoned 
on all sides by an eager, impatient multitude. 
The sunlight flashed from his eagle-plumed 
morion, ju.st as it did when upon the moun- 
tain road ; but then it was golden, now it 
was red — red like blood. He stood in the 
centre of that hollow s(juare, with one foot 
advanced, his hands resting upon the handle 
of a heavy battle-axe, while his eyes were 
fixed upon a low door in the thick wall of a 
building directly before him. His face was 
composed ; his glance fearless, and as that 
great assembly gazed upon him it could not 
but admire tlie manly form and noble bear- 
ing. The people pointed at him from all 
sides, and then at the low door in the heavy 
wall. They shook their heads regretfully, 
45 


The %ibbon of Gold 

as though in joity to see such a brave man 
thus condemned, and the noise of their 
earnest voices, as they spoke one to another, 
rose and fell like the distant roar of the 
sea. 

And Manco? Had he no dread of the 
struggle before him ? No terror in con- 
templation of death ? He was waiting ; 
quietly, calmly waiting. And in those pre- 
cious moments that remained before the sun 
di.sappeared, his thoughts flew back to the 
long journey across the Mountains of Hold, 
to Como, his faithful defender, to the en- 
counter with the brigands, and whispering 
to him.self, he repeated the words spoken .so 
manfully to his fierce companion: “An 
Knca falls with weapon in hand, and when 
my time does come, be it in youth or in 
age, 1 shall be prepared.” 'Fhen with the 
rush of other memories there came the beau- 
tiful face of the Lady Oella smiling upon 
him in return for his act of courage, talking 
so earnestly as they proceeded along the 
highway through the dark forest, pleading 
upon her knees that his life be spared ; and 
46 






I 


I 


V ; 


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> i 



f 


s 


I 


« • 


•"1 4 




I 


t 

. ^ 

\ < 



1 


1 

*4 




t 


4 

4 




4 


4 


I 


I 


t 


« 


• 4 


r ^ . 


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« 


4 

^ 5 






4 



The %ibbon of Gold 


while he thus thought, the sun, a red ball of 
fire, dropped lower, lower, lower, the bright 
glow faded and the shadows spread into an 
ever-darkening mantle. 

A great hush fell upon the crowd. There 
was not a sound, not the slightest movement, 
xi all eyes turned expectantly toward the low 
door. It was a moment of inten.se excite- 
ment. 'I'hen the door slowly opened with a 
harsh, rasping sound, and from the dark 
entrance there sprang the shadowy form of a 
savage beast. The people shouted and the 
brute glared about from side to side, while 
its tail lashed the air furiously. And now it 
caught sight of the man, motionless in the 
centre of the square, and uttering a wild, 
angry cry, bounded forward, forward until 
within a few feet of its victim. But the 
man never moved. Not a muscle quivered. 
They stood a moment with their eyes riveted 
upon one another, then the beast crouched 
threateningly upon the ground. It was then 
that Manco firmly grasped the .smooth handle 
of the battle-axe and lifted it in readiness. 
With fiery, glaring eyes and wide-open jaws, 
47 


The %ibbon of Gold 

the huge body shot through the air, straight 
at the man’s throat. Quick as thought he 
stepped aside. Quick as thought, with a 
rnighty swing, the heavy axe fell true, split- 
ting into fragments the brute’s broad skull. 

Then how the people cheered ! They 
gesticulated excitedly and grasped each 
other’s hands, entirely forgetful in their 
excitement that this man was a sentenced 
criminal — forgetful of everything, save the 
deed of strength and courage they had just 
witnessed. 

'I'apan Huayiiac, from his high seat near 
the Knca looked down upon the applauding 
crowd and frowned. Why should the peo- 
ple be so elated over the victory of this 
stranger? Surely he deserved death. Aye, 
and death he must receive. How could he 
escape ? The fate of all other j^risoners 
would be his also. He had conquered the 
first beast, it was true, but others had done 
the same, and there was no chance of his 
overcoming the second. His nerves must 
weaken under the strain. The slightest 
hesitation, a blow too soon or too late, 
48 


The %ibbon of Gold 


would prove fatal. And the frown left 
Huaynac’s face as he thought of the second 
beast and remembered the tales of its fe- 
rocity — how, when captured, a few days be- 
fore, it had slain two men in its mad fight 
for freedom. Let the people shout ! He 
would have his revenge ere long. 

The twilight was fading into night. The 
ever-deepening shadow from the low, thick- 
walled building traveled steadily onward, 
painting a broad, undefined band of gloom as 
it went. Far away in the sky there gleamed 
a pure, white star, like a flickering candle 
lighting the day to rest. The noises in the 
city’s streets echoed faintly in the distance, 
but silence reigned upon the impatient 
throng around the open square. A bird of 
prey from the borders of the lake soared 
majestically in great circles overhead, utter- 
ing hoarse, discordant calls. The people 
pushed eagerly forward, then fell back with 
murmurs of di.sappointment. Once again 
all eyes were turned to the low door. But 
there was no sound save the croaking of the 
bird above. Suddenly, without warning, 
4 49 


The %ihbon of Gold 


there grated upon the ear the harsh creaking 
of the opening door and the dark entrance 
appeared in the solid wall. For a moment 
all was still as death, then from the blackness 
within there came a mighty roar, and at the 
sound, as though in echo, a shrill, heart- 
rending scream rang out upon the air. A 
shudder seemed to sweep the vast throng 
from end to end, for with the despairing 
shriek there sprang into the arena a woman, 
pale, yet wondrous beautiful. Hands were 
outstretched to draw her back, shouts and 
cries warned her of her peril, but none dared 
follow, for at that instant out through the 
low door dashed a huge, tawny-colored 
creature. Without a glance to left or right, 
straight as an arrow the woman sped across 
the broad square toward the man so erect 
and motionless, and as .she ran there fluttered 
from her shoulder a blood-stained ribbon of 
gold. The wild beast saw her and rushed 
madly in pursuit, and as the peojde looked 
their hearts grew sick with fear. 

And Manco ? He seemed dumbfounded, 
stupefied, unable to think or act. He heard 
5 ° 


The %ibbon of Gold 


the loud shouts, the mighty roar, the pierc- 
ing scream ; he saw the gesticulations of the 
frightened mob, the huge animal dashing 
across the darkening shadows, the woman 
with streaming ribbon hastening to his side, 
yet he stood motionless. She called to him 
— a. call of anguish ! Still he gave no heed, 
but, like a statue, fixed his eyes upon the 
approaching beast. Slowly he raised his 
heavy axe, and, as though it were a wand, 
held it at arm’s length before him. Had all 
strength departed? Had fear robbed him 
of courage ? A few moments more and the 
end must come. 

Then occurred a wondrous thing. The 
woman sped on till she had gained her 
lover’s side ; the fierce brute stopped. It 
looked about eagerly, rai.sed its head and 
sniffed the air, then with a low whine cow- 
ered upon the ground and crawled up to the 
man’s very feet. He held out his hand and 
the beast licked it affectionately. He raised 
his finger in command, and immediately the 
animal lay stretched at full length. Then 
slowly retreating a few steps, Manco turned, 

51 


The T^ibboji of Gold 


and, with the Lady Oella at his side, pro- 
ceeded across the square toward the entrance. 
What was the meaning of this wonder ? Was 
the man some great magician to thus slay 
and subdue two such wild creatures? Was 
he a god ? The crowd, speechless as when 
gazing in expectation upon the massive wall, 
parted before them and followed through the 
open gates, yet at a distance, for Como, the 
beast, showed his yellow fangs and growled 
threateningly. And as they advanced along 
the narrow streets, the one so fair, the other 
so brave, in silence each read the other’s 
thought. 

The sun had long since .set. The day was 
at an end. The stars were springing into 
view one by one. Night was at hand. But 
in the hearts of these two, so fair, so brave, 
the strong, pure light that never fails had 
dawned. 

Finally Manco spoke. 

“ ’'Fwas a most courageous deed,” he said, 
earnestly; “yet most rash to risk a life so 
precious. ’ ’ 

“Your life was imperiled through me,” 

52 


The T{ibbon of Gold 


she responded, with emotion. “I could 
not .see you die alone. But the beast? 
^Vdlat mighty power do you po.ssess?” 

“ None — save that gained through kind- 
ness. 'i'he brute is the trusty companion of 
which I told you. Surely it could not be 
expected that one friend should devour an- 
other ?” 

“Your companion?’’ she repeated, won- 
deringly. “Even wild beasts love you.” 
And then she blushed .scarlet at the thought of 
the meaning he might place upon her words. 

“Say, rather, wild beasts alone,” he 
laughed. “I fear there are many Tapan 
Huaynacs in Enca-land. Yet I would wish 
to remain,” he added, quickly, glancing at 
her averted face. “ But the Enca, my 
father, is weakening with age and Tatua 
calls me.” 

They had reached the broad stretch of 
open country. Behind them lay the Granite 
City, a huge, uneven pile ; before, the dim 
outline of the Golden Mountains extended 
far into the distance. The hour of parting 
had come. 


53 


The %ibbon of Gold 

“But you will return?” she asked, after a 
pause. 

“ I shall return and his eyes flashed. 

“ In peace ?” 

He gazed at her a moment, hesitatingly ; 
then seized her hand and raised it to his 
lips. 

*“ Naught but peace can ever be between 
the Lady Oella and those who love her,” 
he said. “ Farewell. ” 

And as he strode quickly away, Como, 
the beast, with lowered head submissively 
followed — five paces in the rear, never more 
nor less. 


54 


For Home, for Freedom, Father- 
land 



UN a narrow paas between pre- 
cipitous walls of solid rock, 
where constant dropping of 
moisture watered the slippery 
moss, and dark shadows climbed slowly up- 
ward toward the sky as the sun sank to rest, 
a Cuban patriot bravely defended himself 
against the united attack of three Spanish 
soldiers. Against three, for a fourth lay 
dead at his feet and still another reclined 
near by, mortally wounded. 

As he stood with his back to the protect- 
ing wall, in his left hand a smoking revolver, 
in his right a heavy sword, he seemed the 
ideal of manly strength and courage; an 
exemplification of the bloody strife between 
the handful of patriots and the armies of 
their oppressors. His breath came fast and 
55 


For Hotne, for Freedom, Fatherland 

hard ; his matted hair was insufficient to 
check the flow of blood, that streaming 
down his face, dyed his neck a deep 
crimson ; yet, towering above his assailants, 
his eyes flashed defiance, while his right arm 
rose and fell, each time the heavy sword 
striking a blow for freedom. 

'I'he Spanish soldiers respected the force 
of those strokes, and kept their distance, 
thinking it a wise policy — now that their 
ammunition was wasted and their comrades 
injured — to prolong the conflict until weari- 
ness should overcome their victim. And 
indeed the plan seemed well cho.sen, for the 
odds against the patriot were very great, 
and, though powerful, that good right arm 
must fail in time. Suddenly one of the 
soldiers, who seemed to act as leader, 
uttered an exclamation. 

“ Farrea !” he cried. “ Colonel Farrea ! 
See ! He is coming down the glen. Run 
the rebel dog through with your bayonets. ’ ’ 
So saying, he redoubled the attack, his 
companions following his example, and so 
fiercely did they set upon the Cuban, it 

56 





For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


seemed that he must surely yield. But he 
was a brave man, this patriot, and the desire 
for liberty had long since been fanned from 
a bright spark into a steady, con.suming 
flame. With a quick glance up the glen he 
saw the body of advancing troops, now 
almost at hand, and at the sight his waning 
strength was renewed. Hurling the revolver 
in the face of one a.ssailant, the sword at the 
breast of another, he dashed the third aside 
and with one bound cleared a large rock di- 
rectly in his path. So swift and sudden was 
the movement, it seemed as though it must 
prove successful, but as he alighted, his foot 
slipped upon the treacherous moss and he 
fell. In an instant he was up again, but too 
late. The soldiers were upon him, and a 
blow from the butt of a musket dashed him 
to the ground, where he lay stunned and 
helpless. 

“Death to the dog!” cried one of the 
soldiers, and he raised his bayonet to drive 
it into the prostrate form. 

But Farrea and his band had reached the 
spot. 


57 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

“Stop!” called the Colonel. “Did I 
give command for his death ?’ ’ 

“ He is too dangerous a rascal to live, 
Colonel.” 

“ Dangerous? Because he held you three 
cowardly curs at bay ?’ ’ 

“ Because he has killed two of your brave 
men, Colonel,” replied the soldier, humbly. 
“He is wondrous strong. ’ ’ 

“Fire and brimstone!” roared Farrea. 
“Strong! One man against five! By 
Heaven ! If Spain had no others than such 
white-hearted cattle as you, Cuba would have 
gained her freedom long since. Raise the 
fellow and bind him — bind him securely.” 

At the word of command, the Cuban was 
roughly lifted and his hands lashed behind 
him, the soldiers muttering discontentedly 
because his life was spared. 

Colonel Farrea gazed at the man search- 
ingly a moment, then suddenly inquired ; 
“ What is your name?” 

d'here was no reply. 

‘ ‘ What is your name and whence do you 
come?” Farrea repeated, angrily. 

58 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

Still no reply. 

“Curse you!” he shouted. “Can you 
not hear? Not speak ? We shall see. I’ll 
fill your ears with molten lead. I’ll pull 
your tongue out by the roots. ’ ’ He turned 
to his followers authoritatively. “ Forward ! 
We will conduct this deaf and dumb Her- 
cules to the plantation of Casper Paulino. 
Forward !” 

And with the prisoner in their midst, 
carefully l)ound and guarded, the Spanish 
soldiers followed their leader down the 
glen. 

Paulino’s plantation overlooked the .sea, 
and from a high bluff where a point of land 
jutted far out among the reefs, an excellent 
view of the coast was attainable for a con- 
siderable distance on either hand. The 
planter’s home was a favorite rendezvous for 
the Spanish officers, for Paulino was a royal 
subject of the King of Spain, and his hospi- 
tality was most generous. It is little won- 
der that in return for plenty of food and 
drink, the soldiers promi.sed their host pro- 
tection against the bands of insurgents that 
59 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

had burned and pillaged so many plantations 
throughout the island. 

When Farrea, with his troops, arrived, he 
found Paulino from home, but, accustomed 
to act as master under all circumstances, he 
gave command that the Cuban prisoner 
should be placed in one of the huts at 
some distance from the house and that 
two soldiers remain on guard. Farrea 
him.self forced the patriot into the hut, and 
entering with one of his officers, ordered 
a thorough search of the man’s clothing. 
But nothing was found save a small piece 
of paper on which were a few words in 
cipher. 

“What is this?” the Colonel demanded. 

d'he Cuban made no response. 

‘ ‘ Still silent ? Under whose command do 
you serve? Maceo’s? Gebreco’s? Or to 
some bloody desperado, such as Ruiz ? Now 
that I look at you closely, you are not unlike 
Ruiz himself — but he is not so heavy and 
wears no moustache. The fellow has good 
rea.son to remember me, though my memory 
fail. They say I laid his cheek open with a 
6o 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


sword-cut when last we met. Where is Ruiz 
now ?’ ’ 

But still the man maintained a stubborn 
silence. 

Farrea’s face flushed crimson. 

“Will you not speak?” he thundered. 
“By Heaven! You shall!” And in his 
anger, he struck the man a powerful blow 
on the head with his fist. “Come!” he 
cried to the officer at his side. “We will 
leave the cur to thoughts of the punishment 
in store for him. If by morning he still re- 
fu.se to talk, we will split his tongue as they 
do a parrot’s.” 

Laughing coarsely at what they considered 
an excellent jest, the two officers went out ; 
and the patriot, leaning for support against 
the hut’s rough side, his eyes fla.shing with 
hate and passion, muttered a vow of revenge 
— and on his cheek there burned a blood-red 
scar. 

Farrea and his companion proceeded leis- 
urely, stopping for a few moments beneath 
the shade of a tall palm, where the rank 
undergrowth screened them from prying 

6i 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

eyes, their earnest manner signifying that the 
subject under discussion was most important. 
Upon reaching the house no one was visible, 
but presently a servant came forth and 
humbly apologized for his master’s absence 
and for the inhospitable reception. 

“ Where is your mistress?” the Spaniard 
demanded, roughly. 

“ Senorita Doronda is within. Colonel.” 

“ Acquaint her of my arrival.” 

“ She is already aware of it. Colonel.” 

‘ ‘ Tell her I wish to speak with her. ’ ’ 

There was something of dignity in the 
man’s bearing as, drawing himself up to his 
full height,, he replied, “ Senorita Doronda 
is within. You are without. If you would 
see her, enter.” 

“ Curse you !” Farrea cried, and spring- 
ing forward he gave the man a vicious kick, 
then turning, entered the open door 'fhe 
room within was richly furnished, for (Jasper 
Paulino had traveled much and had acquired 
many foreign tastes. Colonel Farrea stopped 
on the door’s threshold. Behind a carved 
mahogany table, directly before him, stood 
62 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


a tall, handsome woman, the expression of 
whose face denoted great force of character. 
The Spaniard hesitated. 'Fhe table seemed 
so suggestive of the barrier against his affec- 
tion that for a moment he was disconcerted. 
But pre.sently his self-assurance, never very 
di-stant, returned. 

“Senorita,” he said, stepping forward, 
“ your beautiful eyes are loadstars.” 

He stooped to rai.se her hand to his 
lips, but she snatched it away. Her action 
did not seem to surpri.se him, for there was 
no anger in his voice as he continued : 
“ Sehorita, my thoughts are ever with 
you.” 

‘ ‘ They are wasted, ’ ’ was the low reply. 

“ I cannot remain from your side.” 

She gazed at him fixedly, but gave no re- 
sponse. As he returned her look, all his 
pent-up pa.ssion asserted itself. 

‘ ‘ I love you ! I adore you ! ” he ex- 
claimed, and springing to her side he caught 
her firmly by the wrist. “Can you not 
love me? Not a little?” 

“ I hate you !” she cried ; “ I hate you !” 

63 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

With a mighty effort she freed herself from 
his grasp and burst from the room. 

It was late that evening when Paulino re- 
turned. Weariness had thrown him into a 
disagreeable temper, and this was not im- 
proved by the presence of the soldiers. But 
experience had taught that it was best to re- 
ceive his guests with the greatest possible 
hospitality, so, while acting the part of a 
flattered host, he vented his ill-humor upon 
the servants in frecpient oaths. 

b'arrea accepted every attention as his just 
due, and even seemed inclined to quarrel 
at Paulino’s tardy arrival. 

“You have seen that my men were well 
provided for?” he asked, as they sat in the 
marble-floored parlor. 

“Yes, Colonel,” the planter replied. 

‘ ‘ The two on guard, also ? I told you 
that I have a prisoner, did I not ?’ ’ 

“No.” 

“ A desperate cut-throat. I captured him 
in the glen some hours since ;” and he waved 
his hand toward the mountains. “At first 
he seemed inclined to show fight, but was 
64 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

soon overpowered. He is in one of the 
huts, well guarded. Doubtless we can ob- 
tain some valuable information, and though 
he refuses to talk, there are ways to loo.sen 
his tongue.” He laughed boisterously, 
Paulino joining him. 

“ 1 shall see that the guards are i)roperly 
entertained,” the planter said. “Your 
prisoner can starve. 'Phese patriots are 
accustomed to privation.” 

“Patriots?” sneered F'arrea. “Rebels! 
Dogs I Extermination is what they de- 
serve.” 

“Yet they are brave,” Paulino suggested. 

“ Occasionally — when at bay. Were they 
skilled in the art of warfare, Spain might be 
compelled to yield them the right of inde- 
pendence. But they lack experience, ammu- 
nition, and leaders. With the exception of 
(Jomez, the two Maceos, Rodriguez, and 
one or two others, there are none competent 
enough to command their disorganized 
forces. ’ ’ 

“ Is not Manuel Ruiz a capable leader?” 

“Ruiz!” roared the Spaniard. “ He is 

5 65 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland' 

a devil. Were he within my power I would 
torture him till he would pray for death to 
release him, but I would not let him die. It 
would be but a slight return for the obstacles 
he has thrown in my path. With a handful 
of followers, he hovers around my troops 
wherever I go, shooting the horses, captur- 
ing or killing stragglers ; burning the plan- 
tations before me .so that I can find no 
food, and hara.s.sing my men in every con- 
ceivable way. My life is in constant 
danger, and I scarcely dare venture into the 
mountains lest I become the victim of some 
ambuscade. ’ ’ 

“ It has been reported that he is in this 
neighborhood,” said Paulino, fearfully. 
“ Do you think there is danger of my plan- 
tation being destroyed ?’ ’ 

“ Not while I am here.” 

'There was silence a few moments while 
the Spaniard sipped his wine. Then he 
smiled to himself as though thinking of .some 
jest and said : 

“I shall remain until to-morrow night.” 

“You are welcome,” Paulino hastened to 
C6 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

reply, yet he. thought of the draft the soldiers 
would make upon his provisions. 

“ I have a most agreeable work on hand,” 
Ferrea continued, mysteriously. “A delight- 
ful work. Can you be trusted with a 
secret ?’ ’ 

“I have proven my.self worthy.” 

“Banes is to be recapUired. You have 
heard of the attempt, directly after the 
evacuation by our forces, when the ‘Tafif’ 
sailed down from Gibara? It was poorly 
planned and failed. But this attack shall 
prove successful, for I am in command. A 
vessel leaves Gibara to-morrow evening with 
a hundred men. I and my band shall be 
taken on board about three miles above the 
bluff, and proceeding cautiously will reach 
Banes in the early morning. The town is 
but poorly guarded and a .surprise will mean 
victory. ’ ’ 

“Good!” exclaimed Paulino; “it is 
well planned. But we s'^all mi.ss you. It is 
to be hoped the rebels do not take advantage 
of your absence. They have burned the 
plantation of Yndio Sagua.” 

67 


For Home, for Freedom. Fatherland 

“So it is rumored. But I was not there, 
or they had not dared.” 

“ Your protection is most valuable, Col- 
onel,” murmured Paulino. “Did I but 
know how to return — ” 

‘ ‘ 1 wish no reward, ’ ’ Farrea interrupted, 
somewhat abruptly. ‘ ‘ Could I but hope — ’ ’ 
he hesitated, while his eyes sought the open 
door of an inner room. ‘ ‘ Could I hope 
that the Senorita Doronda would feel under 
obligation, I should be amply repaid.” 

“She shall,” the planter responded, 
quickly. 

“ Could I but hope that she would learn 
to accept my affection — that you would give 
her as — ^as an acknowledgment of my serv- 
ices — ” He stopped, as though fearing he 
had spoken too boldly. 

But the other did not appear offended. 

“Yes, ye.s,” he cried. “I have marked 
your admiration. She shall requite your 
love — I promise it.” 

“ d'hen you and the fair Doronda need 
have no fear.” 

'I'here was a sliglit noise from the room 
68 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


within. The two men glanced at one 
another quickly, each moved with the same 
thought ; then Paulino arose and cautiously 
looked through the door. But the room was 
empty. 

A few minutes later the planter’s daughter 
.sat by the window of her own apartment, 
and gazed far away at the blue hills, rising 
one above another toward the sky. So in- 
tent was her look and so occupied her 
thoughts, she did not notice the approach of 
the servant — the same who had received 
Farrea — until, coming to her side, he 
touched her gently upon the arm. 

Doronda started, but seeing who had in- 
terrupted her thoughts, smiled as she in- 
quired kindly : “ Well, Jose ?” 

‘ ‘ I have come from among our oppressors, 
Sehorita. ’ ’ 

“ You mean the Spanish soldiers?” 

“Ye.s, Senorita.” 

“Well ?” 

“ They have a prisoner.” 

“A prisoner? A Cuban patriot, a pris- 
oner ?’ ’ 


69 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

'I'he man glanced susi^iciously out of the 
window and about the room ; then stooped, 
ana whispered a name. 

She uttered a low cry and the hot blood 
rushed madly into her face: 

“No, no; not he!”, she exclaimed, with 
an appealing touch upon the man’s arm. 

“ It is he, Senorita. I saw him through 
the open door. I could not mistake,” 

She pressed her hands against her throb- 
bing head, as though unable to think in the 
excitement of the moment, and took a few 
restless steps back and forth. Suddenly she 
stopped. 

“ Where is he?” she asked. “ The brave 
man !” 

“ In a hut at the foot of the bluff.” 

“ Is he guarded ?” 

“ Strictly.” 

“ And the soldiers?” 

“They are in the other direction.” 

She stepped to the window and stood a 
moment in thought. When she turned 
there was a look of determination in her 
eyes. 

70 


For Homt, Jor Freedom, Fatherland 

“ The Spaniards are beasts!” she ex- 
claimed. “ Have they been fed?” 

“Yes, Sefiorita. ” 

“And provided with wine?” 

“ Not yet, Senorita.” 

“ Ah ! 'I'hey should have plenty to drink. 
To capture such a prisoner must have wearied 
them greatly. They shall be refreshed. 
Give them wine.” 

“ It shall be done, Senorita.” 

“ But first bring it to me.” 

The moon streamed in a golden flood 
through the door of the hut at the foot of the 
blulf, falling in a broad band of light across 
the hard floor of earth, and deepening the 
already dark shadows of the room. The 
Cuban, with his hands still bound behind 
him, paced restlessly back and forth, from 
the gloom on one side to the gloom on the 
other, and as he crossed the bright belt of 
moonlight his shadow was reflected in gigan- 
tic proportions upon the opposite wall. 
Presently he stopped, and, throwing him- 
self upon the ground, heaved a sigh so sad, 
so full of intense meaning, it seemed to come 

71 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

from the secret depths of his heart. How 
much that sigli expressed I He had fought 
for freedom, and now he was a prisoner. 
He had given his home, his wealth, and 
offered even life itself for Cuba, the land he 
so dearly loved. He had led his men into 
bloody skirmishes, and, with them at his 
back, had cut his way with the long machete 
through lines of Spanish infantry as though 
hewing a path in the forest. He had suf- 
fered hunger that some wounded comrade 
might eat ; thirst, that he might drink ; and 
slept upon the hard ground beneath the 
twinkling stars that another might enjoy the 
comfort of his blanket. He had endured 
the torrid rays of the sun and the drenching 
of heavy rains ; had dragged his weary steps 
along the muddy roads and climbed the 
rocky defiles of the mountains ; had received 
wounds, borne privation, and suffered ill- 
ness without a murmur, commending his 
followers in their victories, encouraging 
them in defeats, and sympathizing with them 
in their hardships and distresses. Is it any 
wonder that they loved him? that wher- 
72 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

ever he chose to lead they were eager to foh 
low ? To his enemies he was a revengeful 
and merciless desperado ; to his men he was 
a brave, noble, and generous leader. They 
knew no nobility save that of patrioti.sm, no 
rank but that earned by courage, and in 
their commander they recognized the true 
nobleman and gallant leader. The struggle 
for liberty made comrades of all. 'Fo free 
Cuba, beloved Cuba, from the clutch of 
Spain, to loose the yoke of oppression — this 
was the overpowering desire that made 
timidity bravery, and weakness strength. 
Oh, to be free ! Yet the patriot, lying 
upon the earth within the rude hut, was a 
prisoner. What would be his fate ? A cell 
in Gibara or Havana? Or torture, perhaps 
death, by this Spaniard he so hated? .\nd 
thinking of ail he had endured, of the hard- 
ships the future might hold, his men with- 
out a leader, his down-trodden countrymen 
and their desperate cause, he sighed, yet his 
eyes sparkled with undimmed determination, 
and with the sigh he breathed the prayer, 
“Cuba Libre.” The prayer that has 
73 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


sounded for two generations ; that has rung 
out beneath the sun’s hot glare, and broken 
the stillness of the night ; that has echoed 
from mountain to mountain across the level 
plain ; the prayer that has thundered in the 
crash of revolution, mounting to Heaven 
itself, and shall never cease until there be no 
more Cubans or Cuba be free. 

Outside the hut the two soldiers sat by 
the door, their weapons near at hand ; and 
as they partook of the refreshment provided, 
conversed together in low tones. 

“Good wine, this,” said one. 

Most excellent. Yet we deserve the 
best, for since landing upon this plague- 
cursed island we have fared little better than 
beasts — in truth, not so well as the officers’ 
horses. ’ ’ 

“ True. It was scarcely a week before I 
had traded my blanket for food, and look at 
my uniform — rags. ’ ’ 

“ Well, here’s to the campaign and he 
drained the cup in his hand. “It matters 
little which side is in the right or which 
finally proves victorious, so we get home 
74 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


safely and soon. How soothing the moon- 
light is ! It makes me most drowsy.” 

“ It is the square meal and this comforting 
wine. Best enjoy every drop, for doubtless 
we take the road again to-morrow and we will 
need some cheering memory. Ugh ! How 
the red mud does stick to one’s uniform !” 

So saying, as though to prove his advice 
worthy of acceptance, he drained his own 
glass, filled it to the brim, and quickly 
emptied it again. And the other, very 
ready to accept such an excellent suggestion, 
followed his comrade’s example. 'Fhen what 
a stujjor overjtowered them ! The moon, all 
at once, seemed to lo.se its brightness and 
.shone but dimly from out an ever-increasing 
mist ; the sky looked black and threatening ; 
and the stars, from an indistinct, diffused 
light, appeared to fade away into darkness. 
With a mighty effort, they tried to shake off 
the numbness which crept so steadily from 
head to foot. 'I'hey tried to force open their 
eyes, to move their hands and feet, to cry 
out ; but their nodding heads sank slowly on 
their breasts and — they slept. 

75 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

Everything was still. Not a sound broke 
the silence of the night, save the occasional 
chirping of some insect, or the low mur- 
mur of the sea in the distance. Suddenly 
there was the slight noise of snapping 
twigs, as though trodden under foot, and 
in a moment a tall figure, clo.sely wrapped 
in a long cloak, darkened the entrance to 
the hut. 

“ Manuel !” 

'I'he patriot sprang quickly from out the 
deep shadow. 

“ Doronda !” he exclaimed, in an inten.se 
whisper. 

“Come,” she said, resolutely, laying her 
hand upon his arm. “ Your guards are 
asleep. Come.” 

He looked at her a moment hesitatingly, 
then yielded to the pressure of her hand and 
followed through the open door, between 
the two soldiers, now stretched unconscious 
upon the ground. Stepping cautiously, 
though care was scarcely necessary, she led 
him around the base of the high bluff, and 
as they proceeded she drew a short, narrow- 
76 






r 







• I 


_ 1 


w ' 





» 



ft 


4 - 





r - 


f 


« 






I , 

4 » 

■i } ' 










For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


bladed knife from her girdle and deftly 
liberated his stiffened hands. 

“ There !” she said. “You are free.” 

“You have struck a mighty blow for lib- 
erty. Senorita,” the man replied, gently. 

She smiled as she looked up at him and 
said : 

“ For Manuel Ruiz.” 

There was a silence while they pushed 
their way through a dense thicket directly in 
their path, then the woman exclaimed, as 
though in warning : 

‘ ‘ Farrea hates you. ’ ’ 

“ The enmity is mutual.” 

“ Had he known that Ruiz and his 
pri.soner were the .same, your escape could 
not have been so easily planned.” 

“You drugged the soldiers?” 

She shrugged her shoulders expressively 
and laughed. 

“Wine is most comforting,” she ex- 
plained. ‘ ‘ 'rhe Spaniards have much to 
forget. ’ ’ 

“ And to remember,” cried Ruiz, fiercely. 
“They laughed at our yearning for liberty. 

77 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

They mocked all our desire for self-govern- 
ment. But they laugh and mock no longer, 
'riiey call us rebels — dogs, yet what one 
among them would dare meet a patriot face 
to face? Would Farrea? Bah ! He is an 
insolent boaster — a, coward.” 

“Yes, yes,” Doronda exclaimed. “A 
coward. But he has vowed to torture you 
if ever you fall into his hands.” 

“ And I have vowed revenge.” 

She stopped abruptly, and grasping his 
arm gazed at him earnestly while her breath 
came hard and fast. 

“ Revenge !” she hissed. “ For repeated 
insults. For happiness destroyed. Do you 
in truth desire revenge?” 

“Do I desire freedom? You see that 
scar? Even the moonlight is bright enough 
to disclose it. While I wear that mark I 
can never forget the hand that caused it. I 
can never forget the depth of hate I owe. 
Show me but an opportunity for revenge. ’ ’ 

“I can,” she cried. “ I will. Listen. 
To-morrow night a sailing-ves.sel leaves 
Gibara, with an armed force of Spaniards. 

78 


■ For Home, for. Freedom, Fatherland 

Farrea and his band will be taken on board 
about three miles above this point. Then 
they will proceed along the coast.” 

“Well?” 

“ Banes is to be recaptured.” 

In an instant Ruiz was all excitement. 

“Banes?” he exclaimed. “Recaptured? 
Impossible !” 

“ The attempt is to be made. Farrea 
himself declared it. I overheard a conver- 
sation.” 

He looked at her a moment searchingly, 
then shook his head. 

“Suppose — suppose you should be mis- 
taken, ’ ■ he said. 

“ Have I not rendered you service in the 
past ?’ ’ and her voice expressed injury at the 
implied distrust. 

“Yes, yes,” Ruiz cried, repenting his 
words. “You have been a true friend to 
Cuba.” 

“And to you,” she murmured, gently. 

He did not .seem to have heard, so occu- 
pied was he with the information she had 
given. They had reached the shore and 
79 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

stood upon the dry, white sand, silent and 
thoughtful. Presently she turned to him. 

“You must proceed. Your escape may 
be discovered.” 

“Yes, you are right. 1 feel myself 
doubly your debtor, Senorita. You have 
given me valuable news, and I believe it. 
Forewarned is forearmed. But how can this 
expedition give me my much desired chance 
for revenge ?” 

“How? It is rumored that the Spanish 
cruiser ‘ Barcaiztegui ’ was sunk by collision 
— is it not ?’ ’ 

Their eyes met and Ruiz smiled. He 
stooped, raised her hand to his lips, then 
turning, hurried quickly away. 

The moon disappeared beyond the dis- 
tant hills. The night wind, fainter and yet 
more faint as the hours dragged away, died 
with the birth of another day. Gradually, 
with the first streaks of early morning, the 
magpie by the roadside began its constant 
chatter ; the insects joined in ever-changing 
monotony ; the lonely buzzard soared up- 
ward toward the sky ; and when the sun 
8o 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


sprang up from out the sea, the waves danced 
and sparkled in the light ; the flowers be- 
decked themselves in brilliant hues, and the 
tall palms bowed their heads in reverence. 
Midday, with its scorching heat, came and 
passed. Evening, with its refreshing breeze, 
lengthened into night. And once again the 
sun sank to rest ; the moon arose to illumine 
the darkness ; the heavens were studded with 
innumerable points of light. The blaqk 
shadow of the high bluff, falling like a pall 
upon the face of the waters, reached far out 
beyond the buried rocks ; the breakers 
among the reefs moaned a dirge ; and huge 
sharks, those dreaded monsters of the deep, 
darted hither and thither in search of prey. 

Slowly, with all sail set to catch the wan- 
dering breeze, a heavily laden vessel came 
down the coast. So noiseless were its move- 
ments, so easily did it glide along, it seemed 
like some gigantic bird, hovering over the 
.sea. And now it passed from the bright 
light of the moon into the bluff’s deep 
shadow, and the heavy pall wrapped it with- 
in its dark folds. A black cloud swept 

6 8i 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

across the moon ; the moaning of the break- 
ers seemed to swell into mournful lamenta- 
tion, and the sharks fell into the vessel’s 
broad wake and instinctively followed. 

Suddenly, from behind a low point of 
land, there shot a long, narrow boat. It 
cut through the waves with tremendous speed, 
churning the water into foam, as the sharp, 
iron-clad prow dashed it to either side. Not 
a soul on board was visible — save one. A 
tall, broad-shouldered man, standing erect 
and motionless in the bow, with arms folded 
across his powerful chest. 

I'here was a cry from the look-out upon the 
ship. There were loud shouts and the aimless 
discharge of firearms. The soldiers congre- 
gated in the bow and cursed and gesticulated. 
They rushed madly from the hold, and fall- 
ing upon their knees, prayed and entreated. 
But still the tall form stood motionless and 
the sharp-pointed boat dashed onward. The 
sailing-vessel changed its course and instantly 
that of the other was altered. Its speed 
seemed to increase. The water hLs.sed and 
roared before it and followed in foam-capped 
82 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 

billows in its track. Nearer, nearer, nearer. 
Then, amid shouts and yells, there was a 
mighty crash. The iron-clad prow cut 
through the vessel’s side until the ship was 
almost severed, and quickly backing away, 
left the distracted soldiers to their fate. And 
the hungry sharks gathered around and ex- 
pectantly waited. 

Far up on the high bluff stood the white 
figure of a woman, clearly outlined against 
the sky. She saw the glittering moonlight 
upon the quiet water ; the sparkling ripples 
upon the sand ; the foam of the breakers 
upon the reefs. She saw the vessel slowly 
proceeding along the coast, and watched it 
disappear in the black shadow. She saw the 
keen-pointed boat shoot out from beyond the 
low .strip of land. She saw the commanding 
form, so motionless in the bow. And as she 
looked, she heard the night wind sighing 
through the trees ; the moaning of the surf 
upon the beach ; the sobbing of the waves 
among the rocks. She heard the hasty 
words of command ; the cries of fear ; the 
crash of splitting, rending timbers. She 

33 


For Home, for Freedom, Fatherland 


heard the screams and groans ; the last 
despairing shrieks of dying men. Yet with 
a smile — a proud, triumphant smile — she 
raised her eyes to the blue arch of the -starry 
night, and murmured : “ Cuba Libre. ” 


84 


For Her Sake 


(iUST of wind whistled around 
the little house and rattled the 
windows and doors noisily. 
The woman, sitting before the 
empty stove, turned quickly with an ex- 
pectant look. 

“Is that you, Jim?” she exclaimed, 
rising. 

There was no answer. 

She stepped forward, and opening the 
door, stood for a moment gazing up and 
down the street, then with a sigh returned 
to her chair before the stove. 

She was quite young, and had evidently 
been pretty, but care and sorrow were be- 
ginning to draw their indelible lines upon 
her face, while poverty was stamped in her 
very attitude of dejection. 

85 




For Her Sake 


As she sat there, motionless, wrapped 
closely in a thread-worn shawl, the twilight 
rapidly deepened into night and shadows 
faded into darkness. Suddenly she started 
up and raised her arm, as though shielding 
herself from some imminent peril. 

“Starve!” she muttered between her 
clenched teeth; “no, no; I cannot. Oh, 
why doesn’t he come?” and springing to 
her feet, she hastened to the window and 
peered out longingly. 

“Poor Jim!” she whispered, tenderly. 
“ He has tried .so hard to find work. And 
now — ” she looked about the desolate room 
and shuddered — “ now there is nothing left. 
Nothing. We have eaten our last cru.st ; we 
have burned our last coal. To-morrow — • 
Oh, I cannot bear to think of it;” and 
turning, she flung herself upon her knees by 
the table and burst into sobs. 

Suddenly the door was dashed open and a 
man appeared, his arms filled with packages, 
large and small. 

“Mary?” he called, eagerly looking 
about the room ; “ Mary I” 








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For Her Sake 


The woman arose in haste, and wiping her 
eyes, replied, gently: “Yes, Jim.” 

“Oh, you’re there. I couldn’t see you. 
Shut the door, will you, and — and lock it. 
Quick.” 

“You have brought something ?” his wife 
cried, joyfully. 

“Yes. Everything. I said I would, 
didn’t I ? Come ; let’s have a light and I’ll 
show you.” 

“I’m so glad; so thankful. I couldn’t 
have stood it much longer;” and she trem- 
bled with emotion while lighting the candle. 

“ What’s wrong?” the man asked, notic- 
ing tears in her eyes. “You’ve been cry- 
ing.” 

“I — I couldn’t help it, Jim,” .she re- 
plied, simply ; “I’ve been thinking.” 

“Thinking? You shouldn’t. If I had 
stopped to think, perhaps— but no, no; you 
were hungry and I couldn’t get work.” 

“But you’ve gotten it at last, haven’t 
you?” and she bent down and kissed him as 
■ he sat by the table. “ You said you would. ’ ’ 

“Yes, I — I said I would. We had to 

87 


For Her Sake 


have money. I couldn’t see you starve. 
What’s that? Who knocked?” and he 
sprang to his feet. 

“ It was only the wind,” his wife said. 
“You seem nervous tonight, Jim. Is it 
because — ’ ’ 

“ Because I’ve been worrying about you,” 
he interrupted. “ Because I have wondered 
— but look, here’s food. All we need, eh? 
You and I will live like the wealthy, for a 
day or two at least, and then I’ll get steady 
work. If I don’t” — he stopped abruptly 
and walked to the window. 

The woman stooped over the packages on 
the table, and, smiling contentedly, untied 
them. 

Presently the man turned and a tender 
expression came into his face as he looked 
at his young wife. He took a step toward 
her, then hesitated. 

“ Mary. ” 

“Yes, Jim.” 

“ You — you don’t think me a — a bad man, 
do you?” 

She glanced at him quickly. 

88 


For Her Sake 


“ Why, what a funny question, Jim ! You 
are the best husband in the world ; ’ ’ and she 
laid her hand caressingly upon his shoulder. 

“ Yes, yes ; I’ve tried to be good to you. 
But — but I — you have never known me to 
do anything wicked, have you ?’ ’ 

“Wicked? Of course not;” and she 
laughed, for the very idea seemed ridiculous. 
What made him talk so strangely ? 

“But .suppose I should do something 
wrong?” he persisted, earnestly. 

“ You couldn’t.” 

‘ ‘ Suppose, ’ ’ he continued, putting his 
arm about her; “suppose I — I did some- 
thing I shouldn’t? Suppose I saw you 
starving and knew that unless I got money — 
what’s that?” 

“ Some one knocked.” 

“ No, no — it must have been the wind — 
only the wind. There it is again.” 

“ It’s .some one knocking, Jim. I’m sure 
of it.” 

“I mustn’t see any one. I won’t. Stop!. 
Don’t open the door.” 

“But Jim—” 


89 


For Her Sake 


“ Then tell them I’m sick, or not home — 
anything — but don’t let them in. I won’t 
see them and hastily flinging open the door 
of an adjoining room, he entered and locked 
it behind him. 

His wife, bewildered, stood motionless 
gazing after him, then aroused by the re- 
peated rapping, she hastened to the door 
and cautiously opened it. 

Two men stood without. 

“Ah ! ” exclaimed one of them in a 
deep bass; “he’s after doin’ it at last;” 
and roughly pushing the . woman aside 
he entered the room, followed by his com- 
panion, a tall, well-dressed, and dignified 
gentleman. 

“ What do you want?” a.sked the woman, 
timidly, retreating a .step or two. 

“The usual thing, sure,” replied the man 
with the bass voice, whose uniform showed 
him to be an officer. 

“ Does a man by the name of Parsons live 
here?” inquired the gentleman. 

“Yes, sir. He is my husband.” 

“In course he lives here,” the officer 
90 


For Her Sake 


said. “And he’s the man we’re after too. 
You kin bet on thot, yer honor.” 

The gentleman turned toward the woman, 
who stood trembling with apprehension. 
“Your husband,” he said, “was seen to 
steal a purse from me this afternoon, and — ’ ’ 

“It’s false!” she cried, passionately. 
“ It’s not true ! Jim never stole a cent in 
all his life.” 

“Sure, thin, it’s a bad beginnin’,” 
chuckled the officer. “It’s not true, eh? 
She ought to be run in fer sich insiniatin’ 
lang’age. Jist look at thot table, yer honor, 
'lea an’ bread an’ pertaters an’ — ^an’ every- 
thing. Faith, there’s enough to start a 
boardin’ -house. Your husband’s a thief, 
thot’s what, and yer knows it. You’ve got 
him hidin’ ’round here some place; in thot 
there room, I shouldn’t wonder,” and he 
stepped toward the clo.sed door. 

With a cry of fear and anger she sprang 
before him. 

“Stop! You must not — you shall not 
go in there. Stop, I say !” and she pushed 
him back with all her strength. 

91 


For Her Sake 


He laid hold of her roughly and tried to 
put her aside, but she struggled with des- 
peration. 

“No, no; you can’t. You shall not.” 

At that instant the door was thrown open 
and Jim Parsons sprang into the room. 

‘ ‘ 'Fake your hands off ! ” he roared, and 
with an oath, seizing the officer by the col- 
lar, he flung him half-way across the room. 

‘ ‘ How dare you touch her ? Oh, you 
needn’t be afraid, Mr. Page,” he added to 
the gentleman, who had retired behind the 
table. “I won’t hurt you, though Heaven 
knows I’ve little enough reason for liking 
you. And there’s many another who’ll 
never forget the day you closed the works.” 

“ My good fellow, ” began Mr. Page, “I 
do not remember whether you have been in 
my employ or not, but — ’ ’ 

“Of course not,” Parsons broke in. 
“ Of course not. Why should you remem- 
ber me? Your comfort doesn’t depend 
upon me. What do you care who works 
for you so your wealth increases ? What do 
you care whether I live or die ?’ ’ 

92 


For Her Sake 


“Oh, now, my man, you know — ” 

‘ ‘ I know that I came to this town to get 
work with you — some of your men had left 
because of a reduction in wages. But I was 
not particular. Anything was better than 
starving. I know that 1 slaved in your 
factories for two years, making scarcely 
enough to feed and clothe my wife and 
baby, and then you ordered another cut — 
ordered, though many of the men were be- 
hind in their rent and unable to provide for 
winter. What could we do but consent ? 
But you were not content with that — oh, 
no ! Your wealth was not increasing, so 
you closed the works. ‘ Hard times,’ you 
said, and you a millionaire 1 What would 
be the gain of thousands to you comj^ared 
w'ith the few dollars your men lost? Hard 
times — yes, for us, and all through you.” 

“ Don’t be unrespectful,” put in the 
officer. “You stole a purse with tin dol- 
lars in it from his honor’s pocket, an’ — ” 
“It’s a lie!” Parsons interrupted. “1 
found it on the street. I didn’t know it 
was his — not till I saw his card inside.” 


93 


For Her Sake 


“You should have returned it,.” said the 
gentleman. “It is not the money I care 
about, but as an active member of the Law 
and Order Society it is my duty to see that 
crime is suppressed and the law obeyed. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ 'I'he law ! ’ ’ sneered the man, and he 
laughed bitterly. “Hunger knows no law. 
Cold knows no law. Tell me, either of you, 
have you ever had a child? A child you 
loved ? Have you seen it sicken and grow 
pale and paler? Have you felt its little 
weak arms around your neck, and as you 
held it fast, known that it was slipping away 
— slipping away for want of proper food and 
attention ? And then — have you watched it 
die ?” 

His voice broke and he stopped. The 
woman, trembling with deep feeling, sank 
down upon a chair and covered her face 
with her hands. The man looked at her 
tenderly a moment, then his expression be- 
came hard and stern, and turning fiercely to 
the gentleman, he cried : 

“Tell me — has your wife suffered like 
mine ? Have you walked the streets from 
94 


For Her Sake 


morning till night looking for work and then 
gone home without a cent to buy bread for 
the woman you loved ?’ ’ 

Mr. Page hesitated and looked away irre- 
solutely. 

The officer straightened himself, squared 
his shoulders, and taking a step forward, 
said gruffly ; 

“Come, come; you’ve talked enough. 
Sure, it’s the same auld story. His honor 
ain’t got no time to waste. We’re goin’ 
now an’ you must jine us, an’ there’s an 
end on it.” 

Parsons gazed at the speaker a moment 
steadily ; glanced at the gentleman who stood 
gazing out of the window, then his eyes 
wandered to his young wife, and with an air 
of determination he slipped his right hand 
into the pocket of his coat. 

“ If I let you take me,” he began — 

“If you let’s us? Ha, ha, ha! that’s 
good, that is ; ha, ha 1” 

“If I let you — that’s what I said. If I 
let you take me what is to become of my 
wife ?” 


95 


For Htr Sake 


“Oh! She’ll learn to git along wi’out 
you, fast enough.” 

“She would have to work,” continued 
Parsons, musingly. “Perhaps she will be 
compelled to beg — perhaps she will starve,” 
and the hand in his pocket was clinched 
firmly. 

“Sure, she must run her chances.” 

“ Never — while I live,” he cried fiercely, 
and drawing forth a revolver, grasped it 
resolutely, with one finger on the trigger. 

“Take me I Oh, don’t be frightened. 
Take me ! Ha, ha, ha ! ” 

d'he officer, completely .surprised by such 
an unexpected show of resistance, retreated 
toward the door. 

“ You seem afraid,” continued the man, 
sarcastically, his eye fla.shing defiance. 
“Why don’t you arrest me? Mary and I 
have loved one another too long. We> should 
be separated. Come — take me ! Ha, ha ! ” 

At the mention of her name, the woman 
slowly raised her head and saw the revolver 
in her husband’s hand. With a low cry .she 
sprang to her feet and clutched his arm. 

96 


For Her Sake 


“Jim!” she exclaimed. “Jim! What 
are you going to do ?’ ’ 

“Nothing,” he replied, quietly, “unless 
they try to part us. ’ ’ 

“No, no; you mustn’t,” and she tried 
to wrench the weapon from his grasp. But 
he only held it the tighter. “ Don’t use it, 
Jim. For my sake, don’t — let me have it.” 

“ I cannot.” 

“ For my sake,’ ’ she entreated. “ Because 
I love you, Jim ; because you love me. Don’t 
do anything to make me sorry — for my sake,’ ’ 

He looked into her pleading, upturned 
face, and saw the tears in her eyes. Tears 
for him ! He stooped, and, gently brushing 
back her hair, ki.s.sed her on the forehead. 
Then his hold upon the revolver relaxed, and 
with a deep sigh he sank down upon the 
chair from which his wife had arisen. 

In an instant she was on her knees beside 
him, with her arms around his neck, clasp- 
ing him in an embrace so tight it seemed as 
if death itself could not tear them asunder. 

'rhere was complete silence, then the gen- 
tleman moved uneasily and coughed. 

7 97 


For Her Sake 


The woman looked up quickly, and her 
eyes met his. “Don’t you understand?” 
she said, speaking low and rapidly. “ Can’t 
you see how he loves me? He took the 
money because I was hungry and cold. He 
would kill you both rather than leave me to 
starve. It was not of himself he thought, 
but of me. Me ! It is all my fault, lake 
me if you will, but not him — no, no — not 
him. ” 

She buried her face on her husband’s 
breast and sobbed hysterically. 

The officer muttered something unintelli • 
gible ; bit his lip, and turned to the gentler 
man, as though awaiting instructions. 

The latter stood by the door, nervously 
buttoning and unbuttoning his coat. He 
hesitated a moment ; glanced at the coui)le, 
folded in each other’s arms, seemingly obliv- 
ious of their surroundings ; then removing 
his hat, he bowed his head in reverence. 

“ Come,” he whispered to his companion, 
and opened the door noiselessly. “ Come. 
A man that loves such a woman cannot go 
very far wrong.” 


98 


The Man From Nowhere 



OM opened his eyes, yawned, 
stretched himself, and gave me 
a vicious dig in the ribs. 

“Are you awake, Phil?’’ he 


asked. 

“Evidently you are,” I replied, rubbing 
my side. “ What do you think I am ? The 
monster of a nightmare?” 

“Oh, no!” and 7’om laughed. “My 
dreams were pleasant ones — which is unusual 
when sleeping on a train. I thought I was 
in Cuba again, enjoying interviews with the 
Revolutionists.” 

‘ ‘ That comes from being a newspaper 
correspondent. I suppose you wish the 
dream were true;” and I looked at him 
slyly. 


“Well — no,” he re.sponded, thought- 


99 


The Man From Nowhere 


fully. “I rather expect a pleasant time at 
the Orton’s. They are so hospitable.” 

We had left Washington some two hours 
before, and now were in the very heart of 
that part of Virginia made famous by the 
conflicts of the Civil War. Mana-ssas, Hay- 
market, Thoroughfare — each in turn sum- 
moned to memory thoughts of battles lost 
and won ; of advances and retreats ; of 
manly heroism, and of countless unknown 
graves. 

With every stop we closely scanned the 
country in certain expectation of finding 
rifle-]fits, fortifications, and even rusty can- 
non, until finally, Tom, worn out with un- 
rewarded search, twisted him.self into de- 
formity and (juickly fell asleep. It is little 
wonder that when he awoke he felt a desire 
to stretch and that my ribs suffered in conse- 
quence. 

“We must be almost there,” said he, 
wiping thi cinders from his face and putting 
himself into general good order. 

“Yes,” I replied, as I looked at my 
watch ; “ but ten minutes more.” 


lOO 


The Man From Nowhere 

“You don’t say,” and 'lorn arose 
quickly and began to beat the dust from his 
clothes. 

“ Do you think she will meet us ?” I asked. 

“ Who? Oh, you mean Miss Orton.” 

“Yes; the younger Miss Orton,” and I 
accented the qualifying adjective. 

“ Well — yes — I think so. I wrote her that 
I was coming upon this train, you know.” 

“ Of course that will bring her.” 

“ Not at all,” and Tom actually bliushed 
at my laughter. “ I did not mean that. 
But we — we are very good friends and have 
a great deal to tell one another. I haven’t 
seen her since last fall, you know.” 

“ Poor girl,” I teased. “ How could she 
exist ?” 

Tom laughed. He is the best-hearted 
fellow in the world, and unlike most people 
can take a joke as readily as make one. 

“ I once knew a young man who thought 
himself very clever,” he said. “But his 
friends thought otherwise and the young 
man was persuaded to alter his opinion. 
Beware ! History repeats itself.” 


lOI 


The Man From Nowhere 

“ Perhaps 1 had better change the sub- 
ject,” I said. “ 1 do not profess to be an 
athlete.” 

As I spoke the train slackened speed, the 
door swung open, and the conductor hur- 
riedly advanced down the car. 

“ Bridgewater !” he called. 

Tom snatched his hat from the rack above 
his head. 

“ Come on !” he cried. 

“Don’t be in such a hurry,” I replied, 
quietly, for I did not expect any young lady 
to meet me. ‘ ‘ Passengers are requested to 
wait until the train comes to a full stop. ’ ’ 

Ikidgewater is a very small place. A rail- 
road station, a country store, and a few scat- 
tered houses — that is all. It was surprising 
to see the number of people awaiting the 
train’s arrival, and as I looked about me at 
the little settlement, I could not but wonder 
where so many pretty women and well- 
dressed men came from. 

Tom wandered along the platform, evi- 
dently in search of the younger Miss Orton, 
while I trotted behind him. 


IC2 


The Man From Nowhere 


Wives, sweethearts, and friends had come 
to meet other men and greetings could be 
heard on every hand, but Miss Orton was 
nowhere to be seen. Presently, as we stood 
hesitatingly looking this way and that, a 
bright-faced boy-came ciuickly around the 
corner of the station and accosted us. 

“ Hello, Mr. Graham !” he called. 

“Why, how do you do, Charlie?” Tom 
replied, heartily, evidently greatly relieved. 
“ I was beginning to think you had deserted 
me,” and he shook hands with the boy 
warmly. “This is Mr. Lease. I wrote for 
permission to bring him, you know.” 

“Yes, sir,” Charlie responded, turning 
toward me. “I reckon you think it right 
hot in Virginia,” and he laughed as he led 
the way to the back of the station, where a 
buggy was standing, into which we climbed, 
disposing our satchels and ourselves as best 
we could. 

“How are your sisters?” Tom asked, 
when we had started. 

“Oh, right well. Bella and Mr. Steel 
are up Broad Mountain.” 

103 


The Man From Nowhere 


“ Oh — they are.” 

“ Yes, sir. He thought perhaps he’d have 
to leave to-morrow, and he wanted her to 
walk up with him.” 

“ I — I don’t think I ever met Mr. Steel,” 
said Tom, thoughtfully. 

“ No, sir. We never knew him till last 
spring. He came to buy a horse and he has 
been back two or three times since.” 

“ Buying horses?” I inquired, glancing at 
Tom who had grown suddenly quiet. 

“ He don’t seem to find one to suit,” the 
boy replied. “Reckon he’ll take Gypsy, 
though. She’s .spirited, but Mr. Steel don’t 
care. He’s not afraid to ride anything, no 
matter whether it’s broke or not.” 

“ H’m,” Tom muttered. 

Charlie was very communicative. During 
the drive of three miles from the station to 
his father’s farm, he told us all about Mr. 
Steel — all any one knew of him, at least — 
and pictured to us many daring feats of 
horseman.ship and strength, in which this 
stranger was the hero. In Charlie’s eyes, he 
was as pcrtverful as an ox, as brave as a lion ; 

104 


The Man From Nowhere 


and while he talked, praising to the skies his 
ideal of physical manhood, Tom gazed 
thoughtfully over the rolling country and 
said never a word. 

When we reached the farmhouse we 
found Mrs. Orton awaiting us upon the 
piazza, and after Tom’s introduction, she 
welcomed me cordially. 

“I’m right glad to see you, sir,” she 
said, in the hospitable Southern manner. 
“ Mr. Graham has often spoken of you. 
'lake a chair.” 

“'Fhank you,” I replied. “ 'Fhis is my 
first visit to this part of Virginia, and I an- 
ticipate a very pleasant one.” 

“We are always pleased to have folks,” 
she continued. V It’s mighty lonely round 
here sometimes. Mr. Orton never seems to 
mind it, but he’s always busy. He’s out 
with the horses now. Jane — that’s my old- 
est daughter, sir — she’s down at the spring, 
I think, and Bella is up the mountain with 
Mr. Steel. Perhaps you all would like to 
go meet them,” and she turned to Tom. 
“ They must be coming down by this time.” 

105 


The Man From Nowhere 

“Yes,” said Tom, rising with unneces- 
sary eagerness, I thought ; “we will escort 
them home. Come on, Phil.” 

“ You know the way ?” Mrs. Orton called 
after us. 

“ Oh, yes; I could not forget so soon.” 

Crossing two or three fields and climbing as 
many fences, we came where a narrow road 
entered the woods at the foot of Broad 
Mountain. 

“I’m glad to get out of that scorching 
heat,” I said. 

“Yes,” Tom replied ; “ the sun is pretty 
hot. I don’t see how any one could wi.sh to 
take a long walk to-day.” 

“It depends upon the inducements,” I 
laughed. 

‘ ‘ I suppose so. ’ ’ 

V\’e advanced along the mountain road for 
some distance, till we came to a spot where 
an old log hut stood, half hidden by the 
trees. 

‘ ‘ This road will take us to the top of the 
mountain,” Tom said. “Shall we go on, 
or wait for them here ?’ ’ 
io6 


The Man From Nowhere 


“Let’s wait,’’ 1 responded. “I don’t 
feel like proceeding indefinitely, and this 
shade is very tempting. ’ ’ 

So saying, I seated myself against a con- 
venient tree and waited for Tom to follow 
what I considered to be an excellent ex- 
ample. 

He stood awhile gazing thoughtfully up 
the rough road, then flung himself down by 
my side. 

“ I wonder,” he began, after a pause, “ 1 
wonder who this fellow Steel is. ’ ’ 

“ Charlie has told you,” I replied. 

“Yes; of course. But he came here a 
perfect stranger. From what Charlie said 1 
gather they know little or nothing about 
him.” 

“ What would you have them know ?” 

“ Why, who he is, his reputation, where 
he comes from — if he has a home. ’ ’ 

“ You surely don’t think him a man from 
nowhere ?” 

‘ ‘ He may be an adventurer. ’ ’ 

“ Oh, that’s a rather hard judgment on a 
stranger. Perhaps you are jealous?” 

107 


The Man From Nowhere 


I had no idea that my shot would hit so 
near the mark. 'I'om blushed scarlet. 

“Perhaps I am,” he said, shifting his 
position uneasily. “If so — am I to 
blame ?’ ’ 

“ I did not know you cared for her very 
deeply, old man,” I replied, “or I would 
not have tried to tease you.” 

“Care for her!” he cried, springing to 
his feet. “Since last fall I have had but 
one desire. There ! You know my secret. 
I think of her by day ; I dream of her at 
night. Life doesn’t seem worth living with- 
out her. That is why I have returned here ; 
to tell her so — if she will give me any en- 
couragement. I don’t care who knows 
it. 1 love Bella Orton with my whole 
heart.” 

There was a crackling in the bu.shes be- 
hind us. We turned quickly, startled at 
the interruption. 

\ tall, broad-shouldered man, singularly 
handsome, both in form and feature, stood 
but a few feet distant surveying us. His 
hair and eyes were black, his complexion 
io8 


The Man From Nowhere 

dark and swarthy, while his firm mouth and 
- prominent jaw gave to his face an expression 
of great strength. ’ He remained motionless 
a moment, looking at us searchingly, then 
stepped forward and addressing Tom, Held 
out his hand. 

“Mr. Graham?” 

“Yes,” said Tom, taking the proffered 
hand hesitatingly. 

“ I am Mr. Steel,” and the stranger 
smiled. “ You have heard of me?” 

“Yes,” Tom replied again. “ d'his is 
my friend, Mr. Lease.” 

“ I am most happy in making your ac- 
(juaintance, sir. Mi.ss Orton and I have 
been picnicking upon the mountain and re- 
turned home by a rather roundabout way. 
'I'hat is why you failed to meet us. Shall 
we proceed?” 

Without waiting for a reply, as though 
taking for granted that any suggestion must 
meet with our approval, he started down the 
narrow road and we followed. 

As 1 watched his long, swinging stride, 
with its freedom and grace, and noticed the 
109 


The Man From Nowhere 


breadth of his shoulders, I could not but 
feel an admiration for such a magnificent 
physique. Every movement denoted power. 
He brushed the bushes and sturdy saplings 
from his path as though they had been cob- 
webs, and when we came to the fields, 
vaulted the stone walls and high fences with 
the utmost ease, while Tom and I scrambled 
across as well as our limited experience per- 
mitted. 

“ No wonder Charlie Orton worships this 
man,” I thought, and as I pondered upon 
Tom’s confession I was forced to admit that 
he had found a dangerous rival. 

Now and again as we proceeded, Mr. Steel, 
though never slackening his steady pace, 
would half turn and make some general 
remark upon the weather, the condition of 
the crops or the beauties of the landscape, to 
which we would give reply ; but very little 
conversation was encouraged by either party. 
Tom seemed unusually quiet, while my 
thoughts were busy upon what he had so 
impulsively told me about his affection for 
Bella Orton, and recalling our conversation 


The Man From Nowhere 

I wondered just how much Mr. Steel had 
overheard. His manner certainly gave no 
reason for thinking he had been a listener, 
but already my belief in his strength of 
character had grown so great I felt he 
could conceal anything by the mere force of 
will. 

When we reached the house Tom’s spirits 
returned — at least, so his vivacity indicated. 
He seemed to realize that now was his best 
opportunity to revive the pleasant impres- 
sion he had created on his former visit, and 
he did his utmost to enliven the supper hour 
with stories and jokes, soon monopolizing 
the entire conversation, while my poor 
attempts dwindled into insignificance. In 
his capacity as a newspaper correspondent he 
had undergone several novel experiences and 
had seen many strange sights, which gave 
him much information and knowledge upon 
subjects in general. 

Mr. Steel said but little. He was appar- 
ently listening attentively to all that was 
told, and as I saw his seeming interest I was 
beginning to think that though his physical 

III 


The Man From Nowhere 

strength might be superior, Tom held great 
advantage in intellectual power and knowl- 
edge of other lands, when Mr. Orton said : 

“ Mr. Graham, you and Mr. Steel ought 
to be right congenial.” 

Tom glanced at him inquiringly. 

“ Mr. Steel has traveled a great deal also.” 

“Is that so?” Tom replied, evidently 
feeling it necessary to make .some remark. 

“Yes,” Mr. Steel said quietly; “I have 
seen a little of the world.” 

“Where have you not been?” Bella Or- 
ton asked, laughing. 

“That is a very difficult question to an- 
swer. ’ ’ 

“ It seems I can’t mention a city but what 
you can tell me all about the inhabitants ; 
the celebrities living there ; the size of the 
standing army, and — oh, everything.” 

Mr. Steel smiled good-naturedly. 

“ What a very provoking man I must be,” 
he said. “ I should think it intensely dis- 
agreeable to have an encyclopaedia for a 
companion and there seemed to be an 
inquiring look in his dark eyes. 


II2 


The Man From Nowhere 


‘ ‘ Bella tells me you may have to go to- 
morrow,” said Mrs. Orton. “ We all hoped 
you would stay a month at least. ’ ’ 

“You are very kind,” he replied, with 
true feeling. “ 1 have no desire to leave,” 
and his eyes again sought Bella’s; “but I 
have been expecting a telegram for several 
days, and I fear it will come in the morn- 
ing.’’ 

“Where do you live, anyway?” laughed 
the older Miss Orton. “You have never 
told us where your home is.” 

“My home? Nowhere.” He laughed 
and the others joined, while Tom glanced 
at me, (juickly. 

“ Like the Prince of l)arknes.s, I come 
from going to and fro in the earth, seeking 
whom I may devour. I have lived in .so 
many places, each one of which I termed 
my home at the time, that now I scarcely 
know which to claim. I suppose New York 
is a city to be proud of. ’ ’ 

“ Do you prefer it to .some foreign port ?” 
'I’om iiKpiired, rather indifferently. 

Mr. Steel looked at him steadily a mo- 

8 113 . 


The Man From Nowhere 

ment as though he would read his inmost 
thoughts. 

‘ ‘ London and Paris are beautiful cities, ’ ’ 
he said. 

“Yes,” Tom replied. “1 thought you 
might prefer living abroad — but perhaps this 
country is abroad to you.” 

“You mean that I am not a native Ameri- 
can ?’ ’ and he smiled. “You are quite right. 
No land can claim me — ^as a son. I was born 
upon the sea. Doubtless you thought me a 
foreigner from my complexion.” 

“Yes.” 

“You are as dark as a Cuban or Spaniard, ’ ’ 
said Bella. 

“ Or an Italian,” Tom muttered. 

Mr. Steel glanced from one to the other, 
greatly amused. 

“I can’t be all three,” he said, “even 
should I wish. My father had some Spanish 
blood in his veins — so I have been in- 
formed — ’ ’ 

“And your mother?” inquired the older 
sister. 

He did not appear to have heard the 

H4 


The Man From Nowhere 

question, for, turning to Tom, he ob- 
served ; 

“You have been to Cuba, I understand, 
Mr. Graham.” 

“Yes,” Tom replied, shortly, and I no- 
ticed that he was trying to conceal his dis- 
like for the man. 

“ In the interests of the press?” 

“Yes.” 

“ It is a great country, do you not think?” 

“You have been there?” 

“ I ? Oh — yes. In fact, I lived there for — 
a few months — some time ago. I was inter- 
ested in plantations. What is your opinion 
of the present crisis? Will the Cubans win 
their struggle for liberty?” 

“ I think not.” 

“Why?” 

“Spain is too powerful. Besides, the 
Cuban forces are poorly organized. They 
have no leaders. ’ ’ 

“ No leaders?” 

“ No competent ones.” 

“ May I ask, Mr. Graham,” and his man- 
ner was half amused, half sarcastic, “as a 


The Man From Nowhere 


press correspondent, what is your require- 
ment for leadership ? Strength ? Courage ? 
Universal respect?” 

“No. Experience.” 

“Good. Yet experience comes only 
through victory and defeat. 'I'heoretical 
knowledge of warfare is well enough in 
time of peace, but to understand how to 
put that knowledge into practice — ah, that 
is a very different thing.” 

“And that is where the Spaniards are 
superior. They have both theoretical and 
practical knowledge. The Cubans have 
neither.” 

“ But they are apt scholars,” exclaimed 
Mr. Steel, earnestly. “ I tell you they 
learn more through one defeat than Spain 
acquires by years of study. What did your 
forefathers know about the art of warfare 
when they rebelled against the oppression 
of England ? Nothing. They fretted under 
the yoke of unjust taxation, just as Cuba does 
to-day. Is it any wonder that they were 
finally driven to take arms? Is it any won- 
der that tliey won the struggle when in their 
1 16 


The Man From Nowhere 


hearts there burned the desire for Liberty? 
Cuba has right upon her side and in the end 
right must prevail. ‘ All men are born free 
and equal.’ Sooner or later Spain will be 
compelled to acknowledge it.” 

He had grown quite elocpient as he pro- 
gres.sed, .seemingly absorbed in the cau.se he 
was .so earnestly pleading. But his voice 
and manner became, more composed as he 
asked : “ Have you met any of the Revolu- 
tionists, as they are called, Mr. Graham?” 

“A few — Rego, Carillo, and others.” 

“ Carillo ?” He smiled pleasantly. 

“ Brave men, every one. Men who would 
willingly give property and life for the sake 
of their country.” 

“You know them?” asked Tom, evi- 
dently .surprised. 

“I have seen them — when I lived in 
Cuba. They enjoyed honorable reputations 
and the highest respect.” 

“Some of the Revolutionists have been 
forced to flee the country.” 

“ Yes — blit they have not ceased to be of 
service — no, no.” 


117 


TJ?e Man From Nowhere 

“ I understand that there is quite a colony 
of exiles in New York,” I remarked, think- 
ing it about time to give proof of my atten- 
tion. 

“So it is reported,” Tom said. “They 
are doing their utmost to obtain aid for their 
countrymen. I saw in yesterday’s paper 
that the latest arrival was the celebrated 
Manuel Ruiz. But I scarcely credit it. 
The last I heard of him, he was fatally 
wounded in a fierce battle where his courage 
won the day.” 

“ What kind of a looking man is he?” 
Mr. Steel inquired. “ I have frequently 
heard his name.” 

“ I have never seen him. In fact, I have 
found no one who could describe his ap- 
pearance. Yet all agree that he is a natural 
leader a man of great bravery, and abso- 
lutely fearless. But revengeful and merci- 
less to his enemies.” 

“ I can readily believe it,” said Mr. Steel 
quickly. ‘ ‘ A Cuban loves and hates with 
his whole heart and soul and strength;” 
and as he looked smilingly at Bella and then 
1 18 


The Man Frotn Nowhere 


at Tom, I noticed on his right cheek a 
deep red spot, as though caused by a fierce 
fire within. Then I knew that from that 
hour Tom and he were enemies. 

Mr. Steel seemed greatly relieved the fol- 
lowing morning when no telegram came. 
Tom confided to me his opinion that none 
had been expected, and that the ruse was 
adopted simply to test the pulse of the 
family regarding his departure. But Tom 
was desperately in love, and being jealous, 
was naturally suspicious of his rival’s plans. 
He had taken a strong dislike to this stranger, 
a dislike which, at times, I considered mutual, 
but Mr. Steel’s manner was always polite 
and affable, and his words so sugar-coated 
that it was difficult to read his thoughts. 
Tom, on the other hand, in his impulsive- 
ness, would occasionally, by both words and 
actions, reveal his true feelings to such an 
extent that I inwardly admired and mar- 
veled at the other’s self-control. And the 
bone of contention was a woman — as is 
usually the case. As I watched the lights 
and shades come and go in Bella Orton’s 
119 


The Man From Nowhere 


expressive countenance and listened to the 
music of her voice, I could not wonder at 
Tom’s devotion. Had it not been for my 
friend’s interest I fear my heart would have 
prompted me to enter the race. Her beauty 
and refinement, together with her perfect 
naturalness and sweet disposition, made her 
singularly attractive and nearer to my pic- 
tured ideal of womanhood than any one I 
had ever known. But I realized that such 
a prize was not for me and felt that my part 
lay in whatever service I could render 
another. I tried to interpret Bella’s words 
and actions, that I might know which of her 
suitors she most favored, but could reach no 
definite conclusion, for her bright eyes 
seemed to shine on both alike. So I did my 
utmost to engage Mr. Steel’s time and atten- 
tion at every available opportunity, in order 
that Tom might have no hindrance in the 
display of his talents. 

Three days passed. We walked, drove, 
rode, picnicked in the woods and enjoyed 
ourselves generally. The evening of the 
third day. just after supper, while we were 


I 20 


The Man From Nowhere 


sitting upon the piazza — with the exception 
of Tom and Bella who had gone for a walk 
— Charlie Orton brought a telegram from 
the station for Mr. Steel. The latter broke 
the seal hurriedly and his face clouded with 
vexation as he read the contents. 'Fhen 
crumbling the paper in his hand, he looked 
thoughtfully down the road in the direction 
'lorn and Bella had taken. 

“ No bad news, I hope, Mr. Steel,” said 
Mi.ss Orton, .sympathetically. 

“Yes,” he replied slowly. “I must go 
to-morrow. It is very hard.” 

“We all will be very sorry, .sir,” Mrs. 
Orton said. “There’s no train until one 
o’clock. Will that be too late?” 

“ No — oh, no. It is simply a matter of 
business that summons me. But the time 
.spent here has been .so enjoyable that 1 dis- 
like to think it at an end,” and again he 
looked down the road. 

Presently Tom and Bella appeared, walk- 
ing slowly, and by his earnest manner and 
her fixed attention, I knew they were dis- 
cussing something of importance. 


I2I 


The Man From Nowhere 

Mr. Steel gazed at them searchingly, a 
moment, then smiled, and once again, as 
upon the night of our arrival, that deep red 
.spot glowed upon his cheek. 

When Bella and her escort reached the 
piazza, Mrs. Orton told them the news, 
again expressing her regret. 

.“We shall miss you, Mr. Steel,” said 
Bella, frankly. 

“ Yes, we .shall, sure enough,” Mrs. Orton 
agreed. 

“Too bad!” Tom muttered, while his 
face seemed to brighten. “Expecting 
another telegram?” 

Mr. Steel looked at him steadily a mo- 
ment, but gave no reply. 

“Oh, he has already received one,” ex- 
plained Miss Orton. 

“Is that so?” and Tom’s manner signi- 
fied anything but sorrow. 

‘ ‘ And when will you return ?’ ’ Bella 
asked, somewhat hesitatingly. 

“You really wish to see me again?” 

His words were spoken with such eager- 
ness that the girl appeared greatly embar- 


122 


The Man From Nowhere 


ra.ssed, at a loss how best to rei)ly. But 'I'om 
came to the rescue. 

“ I presume you are going home, Mr. 
Steel,” he said. 

“ I think I have stated that I have no 
home,” the other replied, briefly, while his 
face clouded. 

“Oh, yes — I had forgotten. You also 
mentioned your similarity to the Prince of 
Darkness, going to and fro in the earth in 
search of whom you may devour. Such a 
curious compari.son ! Of course not to be 
taken literally.” 

“It may be interpreted as best pleases 
you, Mr. Graham,” he replied, with won- 
derful self-control, for 'Pom was most tanta- 
lizing to say the least. 

‘ ‘ I'hanks, ’ ’ my chum responded. ‘ ‘ We us- 
ually enjoy pleasing ourselves. When 1 spoke 
of your home, I had but one place in mind.” 

“You mean New York?” 

“No. Cuba.” 

“Cuba? You are kind in assigning me 
to such a delightful land. May I ask why 
you select Cuba?” 


123 


The Man From Noivhere 


“ Perhaps because that is the one country 
mentioned as having been your place of 
residence for any length of time.” 

“Ah. yes. ” 

“ Perhaps, also, on account of your ac- 
quaintance with the Revolutionists.” 

The two men gazed at one another a mo- 
ment with a fixed, determined look ; then 
Mr. Steel laughed lightly — but that spot 
burned more inten.sely while his eyes flashed 
fire. 

“Then Cuba mu.st be your home also, 
Mr. Craham,” he said. “ Your knowledge 
of the Revolutionists is far greater than 
mine. You have been able to give us much 
valuable information.” 

“ I am glad to have been of service,” 
'Pom replied, still in that teasing, sarcastic 
tone which some men adopt when wishing 
to be especially disagreeable. “Unfortu- 
nately, the delights of Cuban civilization ; 
her wars with numerous defeats, are not my 
inheritance. If they were, I think I would 
acknowledge my allegiance.” 

“Doubtless,” Mr. Steel agreed. “You 
124 


The Man From Nowhere 


would make an excellent soldier. Every 
army needs privates. Brave men, of course ; 
men who must run the risk of being shot or 
taken prisoner. Cuba needs your .services 
very badly, Mr. (iraham. Perhaps you 
might not be able to fill an officer’s position — 
or rather, I should say it would be too great 
an insult to link your name with those of such 
incompetent leaders — Init as a private you 
might possibly succeed in winning a medal 
— or a grave. One is of equal value with 
the other.” 

Matters were reaching a crisis. Tom’s 
coolness had deserted him, and even Mr. 
Steel’s great self-control showed signs of 
weakening. The others .sat listening, not 
understanding the quarrel or knowing how 
to divert the conversation into other chan- 
nels. Finally Bella’s tact came to her aid, 
and if I had never admired her before, I 
could not have done otherwise from that 
moment. 

“Oh, look at that beautiful cloud,” she 
exclaimed. “ Did I interrupt you, Mr. 
Steel ? Please forgive me. ' 

125 


The Man From Nowhere 

“ I had quite finished, I assure you,” he 
replied, his self-possession restored. 

“ How I love sunsets !” Bella continued. 
“ 'Fhe sky seems like some fairy-land — a. 
place where everything is lovely.” 

“ Yes,” whispered Tom ; “ lovely because 
love reigns there supreme. ’ ’ 

'Fhat night, when Tom and I retired, we 
discus.sed Mr. Steel and the probable effects 
of the quarrel. The subject of our thoughts, 
who. occupied a bed in the same room with 
us — for the house was small and the accom- 
modations limited — had remained on the 
piazza to smoke a cigar. We could hear 
him restlessly pacing up and down, as though 
he were endeavoring to quiet his emotions. 

“ He seems to possess a considerable 
amount of superfluous energy,” laughed 
Tom. “ I fear I have ruined his temper.” 

“ You should have been more careful,” I 
said. “ What was the use in trying to make 
that man your enemy ? He has done you 
no harm.” 

“ No harm ! I wish I were sure of that. 
Can’ t you see how madly in love he is ?’ ’ 
126 


The Man From Nowhere 

“All the more reason to be careful.’ 

“But how do I know what influence he 
may have over Bella? He is so deuced 
handsome and has such a fascinating manner. 
These foreigners can make themselves won- 
derfully attractive.” 

“ You have no reason for thinking him a 
foreigner. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Yes, I have. The very best of reasons. 
Haven’t you noticed how guarded he is in 
speaking of his home ? He is a Cuban, I 
am sure of it. One of the Revolutionists 
doubtless. Perhaps Manuel Ruiz himself.” 

“ Nonsense !” I cried, laughing. “ Your 
jealousy is making you unreasonable.” 

The sound of Mr. Steel’s footsteps upon 
the piazza ceased, and presently we heard 
him ascending the stairs. When he entered 
the room Tom took no more notice of him 
than if he had never existed, and to all 
appearances was busily engaged preparing 
for bed. 

“ Did you have an enjoyable .smoke?” I 
inquired, feeling that politeness called for 
some remark. 


127 


The Man From Nowhere 

“ Very,” he replied. “ It is a beautiful 
night.” 

Doubtless the cigar appealed to you far 
more than the stars, ’ ’ Tom sneered. ‘ ‘ Was 
it of home manufacture ? I could never 
appreciate the good qualities of Cuban to- 
bacco — perhaps because I am not a smoker. ’ ’ 

Mr. Steel’s face flushed scarlet. 

“Mr. Graham,” he said ; “you owe me 
an explanation and you must give one.” 

“ 1 must?” 

“You must — or you alone will answer for 
the consequences. Ever since we first met, 
you have tried your utmost to anger me. 
Your words and actions have been far from 
those of a gentleman. One might imagine 
from your insinuations that I am an adven 
turer. If you think me a Cuban why not 
say so openly ?” 

“ From your remark a Cuban and an ad- 
venturer are synonymous terms, ’ ’ Tom said, 
laughing sarcastically. 

Mr. Steel started forward and his hands 
clenched and unclenched nervously. 

“ You must apologize for that,” he cried. 

128 


The Man Front Nowhere 

“I apologize to none but those I respect. 
1 believe you to be both a Cuban and a 
Revolutionist — too cowardly to acknowledge 
the truth.” 

“ And you are a sneaking slanderer !” 

“You lie!” And with the words he 
struck his rival full in the face. 

For one instant Mr. Steel towered over 
'I'om, with his fist raised high above his 
head. His eyes fla.shed, his nostrils quivered 
with emotion, his breath came quickly, 
while the muscles in his arm stood out like 
whipcord. If the blow should fall, I felt 
that Tom would be knocked senseless. But 
before I had time to cry out or make a 
movement in defense of my friend, the 
threatening fist was unclenched and slowly 
lowered to Mr. Steel’s side. 

“ Mr. Graham,” he said, in a voice trem- 
bling with passion, “you will suffer for your 
words and blow. By Heaven, I swear it.” 

He turned abruptly away and hastening 
to undress, was soon in bed. 

Fom fell asleep very quickly. The quar- 
rel seemed to have made no impression upon 
9 129 


The Man From Nowhere 


him whatever, I, on the other hand, lay 
awake for a long time, restlessly tossing 
about, wondering how my chum could slum- 
ber so peacefully by my side after the threat 
lie had just received. I could not under- 
stand his indifference. 

But Mr. Steel slept also. His bed was by 
the window, through which the moon shone 
brightly, enabling me to distinctly see his 
face and the outline of his form, and I could 
hear his deep and regular breathing. Finally, 
after what seemed hours, my brain wearied 
with its weight of thought and I drifted into 
a troubled dream. I imagined that Tom 
and his rival were fighting a duel at the top 
of Broad Mountain ; that Tom was desper- 
ately wounded ; and that he commissioned 
me to bear a message to Bella, assuring her, 
though dying, of his eternal affection. How 
long I slept is uncertain, but I awoke from 
my hideous dream with a start. Tom lay 
upon his back, snoring loudly. Without 
moving I glanced across him and saw Mr. 
Steel, still in the same position as when I 
had fallen asleep, but his breathing was no 
130 


The Man From Nowhere 

longer audible. As I looked I thought I 
noticed his eyes open — not all at once, biit 
little by little. Instantly my attention was 
aroused. In the dim moonlight — for clouds 
had somewhat darkened the sky — I might 
easily have been deceived, but presently I 
had proof of Mr. Steel’s wakefulness. 
Slowly and without the slightest sound he 
raised him.self into a sitting posture and 
leaning over, gazed intently at Tom and me 
for a long time. Our bed was so close to 
his that he could have touched Tom with 
his hand. It appeared as though he were 
looking directly at me, and fearing lest he 
should see that I was watching him, I closed 
my eyes for a few moments and breathed in 
imitation of sleep. When presently I half 
opened my eyes again, my blood ran cold 
in horror at what I saw. Mr. Steel was 
bending over Tom, his face distorted with 
passion, while in his right hand he held a 
short, narrow-bladed knife. While I looked, 
almost paralyzed with terror, the knife was 
raised until directly above Tom’s heart. 
Then, with a mighty effort, I broke the 

131 


The Man From Nowhere 

bands that seemed to restrain me and start- 
ing up, shouted : 

‘ ‘ Stop ! stop ! Would you murder him ! ’ ’ 

Tom, greatly startled, awakened and 
quickly sat up, hiding Mr. Steel from my 
sight. 

“ What is the matter, Phil?” he asked. 

I was so excited I could not speak, so 
pointed with violent gesticulations to the 
other bed. Tom turned, and in so doing 
revealed his rival to my view. What was 
my a.stonishment, instead of finding Mr. 
Steel confused and trembling at being dis- 
covered, to see him apparently just awaken- 
ing from a deep sleqi. He stretched, rubbed 
his eyes, and was about to roll over on his 
other side, when he seemed to notice our 
presence, and hastily raised himself into a 
sitting posture. 

“Is it time to get up?” he inquired. 
“ But it is not morning yet. Anything 
wrong ?’ ’ 

“No,” Tom replied, briefly. 

“I thought I heard some one call, but 
doubtless I was dreaming.” 

132 


The Man From Nowhere 

/‘I must have had the nightmare,” I said. 

I am sorry to have disturbed you.” 

After a few further words of explanation, 
we all lay down and went to sleep again, 
though naturally, after such a realistic dream, 
it was a long time before I found it possible 
to tempt slumber. 

When I awakened the following morning, 
it was with a violent headache, probably 
owing to the excitement and lack of rest 
during the night. Tom and T overslept our- 
selves, but Mr. Steel had arisen quite early, 
Mrs. Orton informed us, and had gone for a 
walk. 

“ He came down about sunrise,” she said, 
‘ ‘ and told me he wi.shed some exercise, and 
that if he should not return by breakfast 
hour not to wait. He is certainly a right 
energetic man. 

“ I hope he will be back in time to go 
with us up Broad Mountain,” Bella said. 
“Jane and I promised Mr. Graham to go 
this morning. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Then you all had better eat something 
and start right now before it gets too hot. I 

133 


The Man From Nowhere 


reckon your headache is better at home, Mr. 
Lease, isn’t it?” 

“ It is better anywhere away from me,” I 
replied, attempting to be witty, and in my 
suffering making a dismal failure. “I fear 
a long walk upon such a warm day as this 
would not be very beneficial. ’ ’ 

“Too bad!” Miss Orton said, sympa- 
thetically. 

“Yes; it seems a shame to leave you 
alone,” Bella added. 

“ That is exactly what will please me best 
— if you will pardon such an ungallant re- 
mark. I did not sleep very well last night, 
so will employ this morning in trying to 
make up for what I lost. ’ ’ 

“That is an excellent idea,” Tom re- 
joined. “ Nightmares, as a rule, are not 
very restful, and judging from your excite- 
ment and the rumpus you made last night, 
your imagination must have received a great 
shock. I declare you quite startled me. ’ ’ 
Directly after breakfast the two sisters and 
Tom started out for the mountain, leaving 
word for Mr. Steel to follow. The day was 

134 


The Man From Nowhere 


very sultry. Even at that early hour, dark, 
threatening clouds hung heavily over the 
hills, and there was every indication of a 
shower. For some time after the others had 
left, I sat upon the piazza, thinking that Mr. 
Steel would return, but finally tiring of 
idleness, I was about to enter the house 
when 'I'om appeared, hastening along the 
road. 

“ Great Scott, but it’s warm !” he cried, 
as he opened the gate and came up the walk. 
“ We forgot the water. lam playing the 
part of preserver to suffering humanity. The 
girls are dying of thirst.” 

He caught up the tin bucket which had 
been filled with ice and hidden behind a 
chair, and hurrying away called back, with- 
out slackening pace : ‘ ‘ Has our Cuban friend 
returned yet ?” 

“No.” 

“When he comes, give him my love.” 

I waited until he had disappeared from 
sight over the top of the hill, then mounted 
to my room and enjoyed a long and refresh- 
ing sleep. What happened upon Broad 
^35 


The Man From Nowhere 

Mountain I must tell as it was repeated to 
me that evening. 

'Fom, with his bucket of ice, climbed the 
fences and crossed the fields, following the 
same route we had taken upon the day of 
our arrival, and entered the woods by the 
undefined road which led to the mountain- 
top. He paused for a moment under the 
trees, to cool and rest, for the heat had 
become most oppressive, then proceeded on- 
ward until he had reached the log hut. It 
was here he had left the girls, and here they 
had promised to await his return. But they 
were nowhere in sight. He whistled once 
or twice, but there was no reply. A slight 
noise from within the hut attracted his atten- 
tion, and thinking that the girls were hiding 
there, he put down the bucket of ice and 
noiselessly approached. What was his dis- 
appointment upon entering to find no one 
there. He was about to withdraw, when he 
noticed there was an interior room, and 
cautiously advancing to the opening which 
served as a door, he peeped through. Then, 
in surprise at what he saw, he retreated a 
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The Man From Nowhere 


step toward the entrance. Mr. Steel stood 
within. The expression of his face was 
drawn and twisted with hate ; his hands 
were clenched in uncontrollable passion. 

“Ah!” he cried mockingly, springing 
forward “You are weary of life. You 
have not waited to be sought, but have come 
to me of your own accord.” 

He laid his hand heavily upon Tom’s 
shoulder and shook him back and forth, as a 
dog would a rat. 

“What do you wish with me?” Tom 
asked, trying to free himself, but without 
success. 

“Revenge!” he hissed. “Revenge! 
For your words — for your blow. You shall 
pay the penalty with your life.” 

Tom saw that the time for action had come. 
A moment’s delay might prove fatal. Swing- 
ing his right arm, he struck a powerful blow 
straight at the other’s head. Quick as 
thought his opponent dodged, and clasping 
him around the waist, lifted him into the air 
and flung him heavily upon the ground. 
Then ensued a desperate struggle. 

137 


The Man From Nowhere 


Tom fought and kicked and bit, rolling 
over and over, and struggling to gain his 
feet, but he was no match for such a power- 
ful antagonist, and at last, exhausted by his 
efforts, he lay helpless, while his hands were 
bound securely behind him. 

The heat had become more and more in- 
tense, and black clouds darkened the sky. 
There was the rumbling of distant thunder. 

“Hark !” cried the Cuban, laughing dia- 
bolically. “The elements ridicule your 
weakness. The flying clouds growl because 
you live. But not for long — no, no.” 

He seemed half crazed, so beside himself 
was he with passion. 

“You have taunted me at every oppor- 
tunity. You have treated me with insults 
blood alone can efface. You stand between 
me and the girl I love, and now you are 
going to die. You have had your laugh ; I 
shall have mine now.” 

So saying, he drew from his breast a short, 
narrow-bladed knife. 

The threatening storm was now close at 
hand. There was a blinding flash as a zigzag 

138 


The Man From Nowhere 

of lightning cleft the driving clouds, fol- 
lowed by a roar of thunder. 

The Cuban, bending over the prostrate form 
of his victim, seemed to be transformed into 
a veritable demon, his cruel laughter harmon- 
izing with the cannonading of the heavens. 

“Yes, yes,” he shouted, as though ad- 
dressing the storm without. “He shall 
die ! He shall die ! What does he know of 
love ? Would he give his life for her sake ? 
He shall ! By Heaven, he shall !” 

He clasped his knife firmly, raised it as if 
about to strike, then suddenly hesitated as 
though listening. There was the sound of 
voices without, as of some one approaching. 
Instantly he snatched a handkerchief from 
his pocket and forced it into Tom’s mouth. 
Then quickly lifting him from the ground, 
he carried him through the opening into the 
inner room, and placing him in a corner, sat 
upon his chest. 

The voices drew nearer. 

“ Come, Bella,” called her sister. “ Let’s 
take refuge in the hut ; it is beginning to 
rain.” 


139 


The Man From Nowhere 

As she spoke, the opening clouds let fall a 
perfect torrent of water. 

‘ ‘ 1 wonder where d’om is ?’ ’ Bella said 
anxiously, as she stood in the low doorway, 
looking up and down the narrow road. 

“ Oh, doubtless he saw the storm coming 
and remained at home,” replied Miss 
Orton. 

“ I hope so. But that would not be like 
him. Oh, dear, it would be frightful if he 
were out in such a storm ! ’ ’ 

“ You seem worried about him,” said her 
sister. 

“Yes.” 

“ See — the clouds are passing over. Even 
if your admirer is out, his only injury will 
be a wetting. ’ ’ 

There was silence a few moments and then 
Miss Orton spoke with great earnestness. 

“ Little sister,” she said ; “ there is some- 
thing about which I want to talk to you — if 
you will let me. Tom loves you.” 

“ I — I think so,” Bella replied, gently. 

‘ ‘ Has he told you ?’ ’ 

“Yes. Last evening.” 

140 


The Man From Nowhere 


There was a muttered curse from the other 
room, as the Cuban stooped and lifted the 
knife to drive it into his rival’s heart. 

“ And do you love him ?” 

The knife trembled in the air. 

Very soft and low the answer came. 

“ Yes — 1 love him.” 

'Fhe Cuban’s arm dropped as though para- 
lyzed and the knife fell from his hand. Then, 
as if ashamed of his weakness, he caught it 
from the ground and brandished it threaten- 
ingly. 

“If anything should happen to him I 
would die,” the girl continued. “ I love 
him with my whole heart.” 

With all his might the man hurled the 
knife from him. It struck the opposite wall 
and hung there quivering. 

“ 1 am so glad you care for him, Bella,” 
her sister exclaimed in reply to the confes- 
.sion. “ So very, very glad. 1 know that 
he will make you happy. But look, the 
rain has stopped. ^^'e had best hurr)' 
home. Probably we shall meet d om on the 
way. ’ ’ 


The Man From Nowhere 


They passed out of the hut, their voices 
dying away in the distance. The rumbling 
thunder grew fainter and fainter, and patches 
of blue sky appeared among the flying clouds. 
A bright ray of sunlight streamed through 
a cleft in the hut’s roof and fell across the 
motionless figures of the two men. 

The Cuban hesitated a moment, then drew 
the handkerchief from Tom’s mouth and 
liberated his hands. 

“ Listen !” he said, in a voice burdened 
with pain. “ Your life is spared. Not 
because I have pity. No, no. I could throttle 
you without the slighte.st hesitation. But she 
loves you. She loves you I A Cuban 
never forgets or forgives, but he will spare 
his rival and kill his own chance of happi- 
ness for the sake of the woman he worships. 
You owe your life to her love.” 

With a low cry, he sprang to his feet and 
in an instant was gone. The sun shone tri- 
umphantly from a clear sky and the rain- 
drops sparkled like jewels in the light as 
Tom hastened down the mountain path. 

Life had never before seemed so sweet — 


142 


The Man From Nowhere 


so real. And in his eyes there was a new 
joy, and a new pity in his heart, for while 
he had gained the whole world, another had 
lost. 

And though, through the months that fol- 
lowed, occasional report would reach us of 
Manuel Ruiz and his reckless daring, we 
never again saw “ The Man from Nowhere.” 


*T>ad's Little Feller 


E stooped down, apparently bus- 
ily engaged in tying his shoe- 
string, and the officer who had 
been slowly approaching, passed 
by with but a careless glance at the bench 
under the trees. 'Flic man looked after 
him with a muttered curse, though there 
was an expression of relief upon his face. 
A hard face, indeed — a face to be remem- 
bered, yet far better forgotten. Poverty 
and exposure had stamped their wrinkles 
upon it ; a life of debauchery had painted 
gray the hair and reddened the cheeks ; 
and that hesitating, uncertain look, with 
its inability to meet a direct glance, 
showed a fear of discovery of di.shonest 
deeds. 

Although still early in the morning, the 
square was filling rapidly. Men of all ages 
and nationalities loafed lazily upon the 

144 




T>ad s Little Feller 


l)enches, their idleness showing them to 
l)j out of work. Some argued politics 
with their acquaintances, although they 
knew nothing of the parties or candidates 
they .so vehemently upheld. Some wagered 
large amounts — which they did not pretend 
to posses.s — ujjon a much-talked-of prize- 
fight soon to take place, while still others 
laughed and talked with the women who sat 
about as idle as them.selves, or criticised most 
severely the dress and walk of every pas.ser-by. 

'I'he bench where Bill Riper sat was some- 
what removed from the broader avenues. It 
held but one other occupant, a little man of 
neat appearance, who studied with clo.sest 
attention the “ want ” columns of the morn- 
ing paper. Slowly he read them, word by 
word, but evidently found nothing pleasing, 
for upon reaching the end he uttered a deep 
sigh. 

Rijier started and looked quickly at the 
man, but the latter did not notice him, for, 
turning the pages of the paper, he soon be- 
came absorbed in the news of the day. So 
interested was he that he did not see the 


lO 


145 


'Dad's Little Feller 


eager looks the other directed at the paper, 
or notice that he was gradually edging his 
way along the bench toward him. But as he 
finished an article he involuntarily raised his 
eyes and met those of the man at his side. 

“What’s ther news?” asked the man, in 
what was intended to be an indifferent tone. 

“ Nothing in particular,” replied the little 
man, pleasantly. “ There’s a wreck on the 
Reading, but nobody hurt ; and there is an- 
other murder. ’ ’ 

“Eh? murder? No, no!” interrupted 
the other quickly, and he half rose to his 
feet. 

‘ ‘ It seems as if the law was powerless, 
don’t it?” the little man continued, without 
noticing the interruption. “They can’t 
find the woman anywheres, but there’s a 
crowd of officers after him.” 

“Oh, it were a woman ?” 

“Yes, would you like to read it?” and 
he offered the paper. 

“No, I don’t keer ’bout it,” was the 
careless reply. 

The little man appeared somewhat sur- 
146 


T>ad’s Little Feller 


prised at the refusal, as the other had cer- 
tainly seemed anxious to learn about the 
murder, but he said nothing, and carefully 
folding the paper, placed it in his pocket. 
“Well, I must be goin’,” he remarked, as 
he rose. “It’s mighty hard gettin’ a job 
no\v-a-days, but a man won’t get nothin’ 
sittin’ round here, that’s certain and but- 
toning his coat, he walked quickly away. 

The clock in the church on the other side 
of the square struck the hour. Riper lis- 
tened attentively, counting each stroke. 

“That’s nine,” he muttered, “sheoughter 
be here and leaning his head on his hand 
he looked eagerly in the opposite direction 
to that which the little man had taken. 

Owing to his po.sition he could not see a 
girl rapidly approaching him from behind. 
A little girl, a mere child in stature, but 
with a face pitifully old in expression. She 
came up to the bench and touched the man’s 
shoulder timidly. He turned quickly. 

“ Oh, it’s you, is it?” 

Involuntarily the girl raised her arm as if 
to ward off a blow. 


147 


T>ad’s Little Feller 

-■ “ Wha’ d’yer come sneakin’ up behind 
me fer?” 

“ You said not to take no notice of you,” 
the girl replied, gently. 

“ Then wha’ d’yer do it fer? Set along 
on the end of the bench and look as if yer 
\va.s’n’ talkin’ to me, d’yer hear? The cops 
may be a-watchin’ me fer all I know.” 

The child hastened to obey and for a few 
moments there was silence, while Riper 
looked stealthily about him. Finally he 
spoke : 

“Well, why don’ yer say somethin’? 
How’s the boy?” 

“Billy’s awful bad, dad,” she answered, 
sadly. 

“ What’s the doctor say?” 

“Nothin’ much; just shakes his head 
solemn like — this way;” and she slowly 
moved her head from side to side. The 
man muttered a curse. 

“Hilly keeps a-talkin’ all the time,” 
the girl continued, “but he don’t know 
what he’s sayin’. Sometimes he calls for 
you — ’ ’ 


148 


IDad's Little Feller 


“ What’s he say ?” eagerly interrupted the 
other. 

“ Askin’ you to lift him up so’s he can see 
the purty picters.” 

Riper clenched his hands in anger. 

“ Dern the doctor,” he e.xclainied, fiercely. 
“ Why do’ll’ he do somethin’ ? Why do’n’ 
he cure the boy? 1 do’n’ want to go off an’ 
leave him sick — but he oughter be runnin’ 
out long ago. ’ ’ 

“You ain’t goin’ away?” the girl asked, 
timidly. 

“Yes — to-night,” he growled. 

“ But what’ll we do without you, dad?” 

“Oh, you’ll git ’long — none o’ you’ll 
keer much — ’less it’s the little feller,” he 
added, almost tenderly. 

“What are you goin’ fer?” 

“'That ain’t no-un’s business. But I’m 
dead tired bein’ took up, an’ the cops would 
have had me afore this if they’d had sen.se 
to look here.” 

“They’re watchin’ fer you at the house, 
dad.” 

Riper laughed harshly. 

149 


T>ad’s Little Fetter 


“ 'I'hey kin watch there till kingdom come 
fer all I keer. They oughter know I wouldn’ 
go to the house now. Wha’d they make 
sich a fuss over the thing fer any rate ? 1 

did’n’ go ter hurt the man none, but I was 
drunk an’ I thought it were Dan Coogan. 
If it had been I wouldn’ keer if I’d killed 
him. 1 ain’t goin’ to let Coogan plague the 
little feller — leastways not if 1 knows it.” 
'Fhere was a moment’s pause, then he con- 
tinued : “I’m goin’ to leave to-night on the 
ferry, an’ I want yer to meet me there at ten, 
yer understan’ ? Ten sharp, an’ then yer kin 
tell me how the boy is.” 

“ Which ferry?” a.sked the girl. 

“Vine, I tol’ yer. I’ll stan’ on the cor- 
ner o’ Front, an’ min’ yer don’ be late. 
Now yer kin go; don’t yer say nothin’ to 
no-un ’bout havin’ seen me or I’ll lick yer.” 

The girl rose quickly and hurried away, 
leaving the man sitting lazily watching her 
until she disappeared in the crowd. 

The ferry was unusually crowded that 
night. A large torch-light parade had at- 
tracted the ])eople from across the river, and 

150 


"TDaii's Little Feller 


now, wearied by hours of standing on door- 
steps and pavements, they were returning to 
their homes. 

The evening had begun bright and fair, 
but gradually the sky had become overcast, 
and now a few drops of rain were falling, as 
if to usher in a stormy night. There was 
every reason to believe the storm would soon 
break, and the crowds, quickening their 
steps, hastened to reach shelter that they 
might escape a wetting of clothes and a 
dampening of spirits. The ferry-boats 
steamed into their wharves, emptied their 
few passengers and quickly steamed out 
again, heavily weighted with their load of 
human freight. 

Standing in the deep shadow of a large 
building a .short block above the Vine Street 
ferry, a man watched the throng as it hur- 
ried past. His coat collar was turned up 
and tightly buttoned around his throat ; 
his hat was pulled far down over his eyes ; 
yet one could recognize by the hard mouth 
and fierce scowl the same man who had, ear- 
lier in the day, talked with the child in the 

151 


T>ad's Little Feller 


square. Now and again he would move 
down to the edge of the pavement and look 
up the street, for though it was still several 
minutes before the time appointed for the 
meeting, yet he anxiously awaited her. 

“ I oughter git off all right in this gang,” 
he muttered, “but I wish to thunder .she’d 
come.” 

He walked slowly up the street, but had 
taken only a few steps when he saw the girl 
hurrying toward him. He turned down a 
narrow .side street, without a word of greet- 
ing, and she silently followed. 

“Well?” he said, questioningly, after 
they had gone a short distance. “ Be quick ; 
1 must take the next boat. ’ ’ 

“ Dad, you better had come home,” the 
girl pleaded. “ Billy’s dyin’.” 

The man looked at her stupidly. “Dy- 
in’?” he repeated, hoarsely. 

“The doctor says unless he’s better in a 
few hours he’ll die afore mornin’ sure.” 

“Dyin’!” 

“You better had come home, dad and 
she laid her hand gently on his anu. 


Tfad's Little Feller 


“Dyin’!” He grasped her shoulder 
and stared vacantly down into her face. 
She hastily wiped the tears from her eyes 
and timidly returned his gaze. Staggering 
as if under a blow, he raised his hand to his 
head, then turning, ran rapidly down the 
street. 

Across broad thoroughfares, brilliantly 
lighted ; up narrow side-streets and dark 
alleys, he hastened on. 'I'he tall business 
houses gave place to le.ss pretentious stores, 
the stores to handsome dwellings, and they, 
in turn, to smaller buildings. Walking 
only when necessary to regain his breath, he 
hurried onward, and ever in his ears, as if to 
urge him to greater speed, there rang the 
words, “ He’s dying, Billy’s dying.” 

Finally, when almost exhau.sted, com- 
pletely out of breath and wet to the skin — 
for the rain was now falling in torrents — he 
turned into a small, dimly-lighted court 
adjoining a little street in the southern part 
of the city. 

As he entered, a man came out from the 
shadow of the wall and deliberately stepped 
^53 


T>aii's Little Feller 


before him. With an oath Riper dashed 
him aside, and springing through a low door- 
way opposite, ran rapidly up a steep flight of 
stairs, pushed open a door at the top, and 
entering, softly closed it again behind him. 

He had reached his home. A woman sat 
motionless by a low bed in the corner. She 
rose as the man entered, and hiding her 
face in her hands, turned to the window, 
vainly trying to stifle her sobs. 

Riper paid not the slightest attention to 
her tears. His eyes were fixed upon the 
face of the boy lying so still and pale in the 
corner. He hesitated a moment, then, 
crossing the room, fell on his knees by the 
side of the bed. 

“ Yer ain’t a-goin’ to die, little feller?” 
he pleaded in a hoarse whisper. “ Wha’d 
yer dad do wi’out yer? Yer ain’t a-goin’ 
to die?” There was a sound of footsteps 
on the stairs without, but the man gave no 
heed. 

“I’ve been a bad man, Billy,” he con- 
tinued, “an’ I ain’t done things just square, 
as yer allers wanted me to ; but I’ve done 

154 











/ 


t 






r 


r 


r.''* N', ►t ' i i *. 


'Toad's Little Feller 


what’s right by you, ain’t I ?” He paused, 
as if for a reply, but none came, and the 
footsteps on the stairs sounded nearer. 
‘ ‘ Tell me yer ain’t a-goin’ to die, little feller, 
an’ I swar I’ll try an’ do the straight thing 
an’ be good. Tell me yer’ 11 git well and 
larn me how to do as I oughter. ’ ’ 

•The door opened quietly and revealed the 
tall forms of two men. 'The woman turned 
from the window and looked at them ques- 
tioningly, but the man kneeling at the bed- 
side paid no attention. 

“Come, Riper,” said one of the men, 
after a pause ; ‘ ‘ you are wanted. ’ ’ There 
was no answer. 

“It ain’t no use your pretending not to 
hear,” added the other man, gruffly ; “ you 
know you’re cornered, so you might as well 
come along peaceable. You can’t deny you 
tried to do up the gent. Perhaps you was 
drunk, but that ain’t no excuse. You’ve 
dodged us for two days an’ more, but the 
job’s up now, so get up an’ come along 
without any fuss. ’ ’ 

Still no answer from the motionless figure 

155 


T>aifs Little Feller 


in the corner. The officers were rapidly 
losing their patience. “ Why don’t you 
answer?” asked the first speaker, angrily. 
“Come — no more foolin’; get up,” and he 
placed his hand heavily on the man’s shoulder. 

Riper seemed to be fully arou.sed at last. 
He .sprang to his feet, and shaking off the 
hand, exclaimed, fiercely : “ l^e’ go of me, 

curse you ! Can’t you see he’s dyin’ ? 
He’s dyin’ ! d’yer hear?” 

So threatening was his manner and his 
words so fierce that the men recoiled a step 
toward the door. 

“ I knowed yer was after me,” the man 
continued, in a low, inten.se tone, “an’ I 
knowed yer was watchin’ fer me here. D’yer 
suppose I’d ha’ come if it wasn’ fer the 
boy? If he dies yer kin hang me fer all I 
'Keer, but I ain’t a-goin’ now, an’ that’s the 
end on it.” 

'Fhe officers hesitated, whispered together 
for a few moments, then the one with the 
gruff voice said, decidedly ; “ We’re mighty 
sorry. Riper, if the young one’s sick, but 
we’ve got to do what’s told us and you know 


Tiad’s Little Feller 


it. If you won’t come along quiet we’ll have 
to make you, that’s all.” 

“I ain’t a-goin’ as long as the boy’s 
alive,” replied the other, doggedly. 

“ 'Then there ain’t no help for it.” 

They tried to lay hold of him, but he 
fought like a tiger. They struck at him with 
their clubs, but he beat them back with 
clenched fists. 'I'hen, little by little, they 
forced him toward the door, and overj)ower- 
ing him by their united strength dragged 
him, kicking, biting, and cursing out on the 
steps, where, finally, having handcuffed him, 
they led him down into the street and away 
to the police station. 

He lay for hours just where he had fallen 
when they thrast him into the cell. What 
did he care for -the sentence that would be 
pa.ssed on him on the morrow ? What interest 
had he in freedom now, when the one being 
he loved in the whole world would no longer 
be at home to welcome him ? How often 
they had walked the streets together hand in 
hand, talking of all the great things the boy 
would do when he became a man, and now — 

157 


'Dihl s Little Feller 


he was dying, perhaps was already dead, and 
his dad was not beside him. The thought 
was maddening. With a despairing cry, he 
staggered to his feet and flung himself des- 
perately against the iron door, then falling, 
.stunned and bruised by the shock, lost con- 
sciousne.ss. 

'Fhe magistrate sat at his desk idly toying 
with the papers before him. The prisoners 
had been but few that morning, and easily 
disposed of ; and now, while he impatiently 
waited for the next reprobate to be brought. 
Ire pictured to himself a hot, savory dinner 
and an extra hour of leisure. 

His pleasant thoughts were interrupted by 
the entrance of two officers leading between 
them a rough-looking man who kept his eyes 
fixed on the ground and took no notice of 
his surroundings. The usual formalities were 
gone through, and then the magistrate asked, 
carelessly : 

“What’s the charge?” 

“’Sault and bat’ry, with intent to kill, 
yer Honor.” 

“Hum. The particulars?” 

158 


'Dad’s Little Feller 


“Tuesday night — Fourth and Porter; 
came out of Meller’s saloon an’ — ’’ 

“ Eh ! Is this the fellow who assaulted 
Mr. White?’’ interrupted the magistrate. 

“ Yes, yer Honor.’’ 

“ I received a note from Mr. White this 
morning in reference to the matter,’’ con- 
tinued his Honor, opening the drawer of his 
desk. “Where did I put it?’’ he mut- 
tered to himself, “Ah, here it is.’’ He 
glanced at the note and then added : ‘ ‘ Mr. 
White has been visited by a daughter of this 
— this — the prisoner, who pleaded earnestly 
for his release. And although sorely afflicted 
with — with bodily aches and pains, owing 
to the ruffianly attack of this — the prisoner, 
he a.sks that he may be discharged.’’ 

There was a murmur of disapproval among 
the assembled officers. 

“It is certainly an unusual — a — proceed- 
ing,’’ continued the magistrate, looking 
around. “In my opinion the prisoner 
merits the full punishment of the law, but 
in accordance with the wish of this kind- 
hearted gentleman, who has been exceed- 

159 


'Dad’s Little Feller 


ingly generous, I — I should say just, in the 
rewards he has given to — ^a — to all con- 
cerned, I shall bind the prisoner to keep 
the peace and discharge him. ’ ’ 

He paused, waiting for .some sign of grati- 
tude from the man before him, but the pris- 
oner stood, as he had entered the room, with 
lowered head and downcast eyes. 

“ Did you hear what I said?” the magis- 
trate asked, angrily, losing control of his 
temper. 'I'here was no reply — nothing to 
prove that the man had even heard. 

“ Here, officers, put the fellow out — the 
ungrateful ruffian !” 

'Fhey hurried him into the street and left' 
him there, free to go where he chose. 

He took a few steps, then hesitated and 
looked aimlessly up and down. .A. little 
girl who was standing on the pavement 
opposite, crossed quickly, and coming to the 
man’s side gently took his hand. 

“I’ve been waitin’ fer you, dad,” she 
said, speaking rapidly. “ I was sure they’d 
let you off, ’cause ivhen I came home las’ 
night an’ found they’d took, you, T come 
i6o 


TDad’s Little Feller 


here an’ asked where the gent lived what 
you hit by mistake, an’ then I went to see 
him, an’ the house was shut up.” She 
paused a moment to take breath and then 
continued: “But I made ’em open an’ he 
came down with his head all tied up, an’ 1 
told him how you didn’ go to hurt him none 
an’ that Billy was dyin’.” She felt the 
man’s hand tremble a little in hers and 
stopped. 

“You didn’ think he was dead, did you, 
dad? He’s goin’ ter get well; the doctor 
says so. ’ ’ 

Riper stared at her as if unable to believe 
the news, and in an instant his weary, de- 
jected look changed to one of active interest. 

“ Billy was askin’ fer you, an’ — ” 

“Come on,” he interrupted, dragging 
the girl along in his haste. “ Come on ! 
He was askin’ fer me, was he ? We mustn’ 
keep him waitin’ none. Come on !” and 
the rough face softened. “ You’ve been a 
good gal,” he continued ; “a real good gal. 
You’ve done a mighty sight more fer me 
than I desarve,an’ I ain’t a-goin’ terforgit it.” 

II i6i 


Toad’s Little Feller 


The child looked up at him and smiled. 
He had never spoken to her like that before. 
Hand in hand they hurried on — the man 
with long, swinging strides, the girl trotting 
by his side, and in the heart of each there 
was a great happiness. 

'Fhey entered the little court, climbed the 
flight of steps and noiselessly opened the 
door. There was a joyful exclamation from 
the little bed in the corner. 

“ I knowed you’d come, dad !” cried the 
boy in a weak voice. “ I’ve been waitin’ 
fer you.” 

The strong man choked down a sob and 
hesitated for a moment irresolutely. 'I'hen 
he softly approached the bed. 

“You don’ look jus’ right, dad; what’s 
troublin’ you?” 

Riper leaned over and kissed the boy 
tenderly. 

“Dear little feller,” he whispered, 
brokenly, 'bhen, overpowered by emotion, 
he flung himself on his knees and burying 
his head in the bedcovers, burst into a flood 
of tears. 


162 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


CHAPTER I 

THE NEW MOON RISES 

“ Perfection is 
the child of Study 
and Practice, Mr. 
Patterson,” said 
the College Pro- 
fessor to his com- 
panion, as they stood together upon the 
promenade deck of the “Paris,” watching 
the passengers embark. “It is by no means 
difficult to read a man’s character or learn 
his occupation from his appearance and ac- 
tions, if the intuitive and deductive faculties 
are properly exercised. For instance ; take 
that couple coming along the wharf. Look 
at the woman first.” 

“ Fair, fat, and forty,” laughed the other. 

163 



The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Beauty and youth, memories of the dis- 
tant past. Avoirdupois, a weighty reminder 
of the present. But dissect her actions. She 
is warm — both internally and externally — 
and no one knows it better than her hus- 
band.” 

“What makes you think the little man 
her husband ?’ ’ 

“ Intuition. He is small, she is large. 
He is a blonde, she a brunette. They are 
about an age, although she is the better pre- 
served, which is but natural, considering 
that he is henpecked. See how she is read- 
ing the riot act to him now.” 

‘ ‘ Poor man ! ” 

“ It’s his own fault. He thought he knew 
what he wanted when he proposed, but he 
didn’t. He knows what he doesn’t want 
now. His dress has a ministerial appear- 
ance. Probably his chief charge is to 
minister to the wants of his wife. Look 
at those two ladies. They appear to be 
alone. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ She is uncommonly pretty, ’ ’ exclaimed 
the younger man, enthusia.stically. 

164 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ You mean the one with the umbrella? 
Yes ; she is quite attractive. Probably en- 
gaged, though.” 

“ O Profes.sor !” 

“Such butterflies don’t remain single 
long. The bright color in their wings is 
apt to fade, and wishing to insure life-long 
admiration, and still enjoy their liberty, they 
enter into matrimony. Here comes an ex- 
ample. Any one could tell they were a 
bride and groom. ’ ’ 

There was a striking freshness about the 
young couple as they hurried along the 
wharf. Everything about them was per- 
fectly new, even their actions. He, although 
heavily laden with a large satchel and roll of 
.shawls, tried to relieve his wife of a little 
hand-bag, while she steadfastly resisted, 
blissfully conscious that the eyes of the world 
were upon her. 

Charlie Patterson uttered an exclamation 
of surprise. 

“ By Jove !” he said, “ that’s Fred Per- 
kins.” 

You don’t say so?” remarked the Pro- 

165 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

fessor, indifferently. “ And who is Mr. 
Perkins ?” 

“Why, don’t you remember him? He 
was in my class. Awfully nice fellow. Mar- 
ried yesterday in Buffalo. The idea of meet- 
ing him on his honeymoon.” He leaned 
far over the rail and waved his hand franti- 
cally. “ Hello Fred ! Fred !” 

But Fred was busily engaged piloting his 
newly acquired property up the gang-plank, 
while at the same time struggling with the 
satchel and roll of shawls, wliich seemed to 
manifest a disposition to become entangled 
in the railing. When the attention is thus 
occupied one cannot be expected to hear 
even the voice of a friend. 

.\nd now the time of departure had ar- 
rived. The baggage was all stowed and 
everything seemed in readiness. A few be- 
lated pas.sengers, their arms full of bundles, 
pushed their way through the crowd and in 
their excitement rushed wildly up the plank 
used by the crew, only to be gruffly ordered 
back. The stokers — some of them “half- 
seas over” though still upon land — clam- 
166 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

bered on board. The gang-planks were 
drawn in, the hawsers loosened, and amid 
cheers and hurrahs, the waving of handker- 
chiefs and umbrellas, the big steamer backed 
slowly from the dock and proceeded majes- 
tically down the East River toward the .sea. 

Then followed the usual scenes of distrac- 
tion among the pa.s.sengers ; the search for 
staterooms which seemed to have changed 
their positions ; the inquiry for trunks de- 
livered to the wrong party and the disposal 
of satchels belonging elsewhere ; the numer- 
ous perplexing questions to every one in uni- 
form ; the rush for steamer chairs and the 
customary complaints against the deck stew- 
ards, who, with a marked partiality, entirely 
disregarded the pleadings and threats of those 
holding the first places in the line and 
favored outsiders. 

Fred Perkins had waited impatiently while 
others were being befriended and was Just 
de.spairing of ever having his want supplied, 
when the steward grabbed the tickets from 
his hand and muttering .something unintelli- 
gible gave in exchange a couple of chairs. 

167 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Fred was so surprised and delighted that he 
thanked the man heartily, and taking his 
property in his arms proceeded along the 
deck. He had gone but a few steps when 
he ran against two ladies who had come 
from one of the cabin entrances. 

“ I beg your pardon,” he said, and then 
started back in astonishment. 

“ Why, how do you do ?” cried one of the 
ladies, warmly. “I had no idea you were 
aboard. ’ ’ 

“No — I — I had no idea myself,” mur- 
mured Fred. “ I — I mean — I hardly thought 
to meet you. ’ ’ 

“ You didn’t expect to run across me, 
then ?’ ’ 

“It was unintentional, I assure you. 
These chairs blocked my view, you know. ’ ’ 

“ Of course ; but I didn’t mean that. You 
know my sister, don’t you?” 

“Oh, yes,” said the other lady. “We 
met at York Harbor last summer.” 

“ It was the summer before last, Margaret. 
I have reason to remember, ’ ’ and she glanced 
at Fred, who appeared anything but com- 

i68 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

fortable. . “ But we mustn’t detain this bur- 
dened man,” she continued, gayly. “ Some 
other time we hope to enjoy his- pleasant 
society.” 

“ Thank you,” Fred replied, meekly. “ I 
— I hope so. ’ ’ 

“d'hen farewell for the present,” and 
nodding and smiling, the two ladies moved 
away. 

“Great Scott !” ejaculated Fred, looking 
after them. “The idea of meeting her on 
my wedding trip.” 

Then taking a chair under each arm, he 
resumed his march to where his wife was 
waiting near the stern. 

Charlie Patterson had searched for his old 
college chum everywhere without success. 
Finally he met the Profe.s.sor, who had been 
promenading the deck on the lookout for 
acquaintances, and from him learned of 
Fred’s whereabouts. 

“You had better not disturb them,” said 
the Professor. ‘ ‘ Remember they have been 
married but a day. ’ ’ 

“ Nonsense ! ’’cried Charlie, for his former 
169 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

instructor had never inspired him with the 
awe usually expected from students. “ Non- 
sense ! Fred would interrupt the marriage 
ceremony to welcome a friend. Come. 
He’ll be delighted to see us.” 

So they proceeded to where the young 
couple were seated. Fred lay stretched at 
full length upon one of the chairs which had 
caused him so much trouble to procure, and 
at the mention of his name looked up. 

“ By Jingo !” he exclaimed, springing to 
his feet. “Where in the deuce” — he 
stopped abruptly with a quick look at his 
wife. “ I’m awfully glad to see you, old 
man. And Professor Chase ; I don’t know 
whether you remember m-", sir.” 

“ Perfectly,” the Professor assured him. 

“hdlen,” the young man continued, “this 
is Charlie — that is — Mr. Patterson ; my — 
my wife, you know, Mrs. Perkins, Professor 
('hase,” and he turned red with embarrass- 
ment, while Mrs. Perkins blushed becom- 
ingly. 

“An unlooked-for pleasure,” said Pro- 
fes.sor Cha.se, coolly appropriating to his use. 

170 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


tlie chair Fred had vacated. “ Mr. Perkins 
and I are old friends,” and he winked at 
Charlie. “ Our accjuaintance is of long 
standing.” 

“You did the standing, Professor,” 
laughed Charlie. 

“ 'I'hat’s true. You can’t imagine, Mrs. 
Perkins, how often I have envied my hearers 
the privilege they enjoyed of sitting, while 
I lectured — to say nothing of the pleasure 
and benefit received. That’s why I never 
stand upon ceremony now — or upon any- 
thing else for that matter — when there is a 
vacant chair about. ’ ’ 

“ I — I think I have heard Fred — Mr. 
Perkins, mention you,” Mrs. Perkins vol- 
unteered, with the conviction that she should 
.say something. 

“That was very considerate of him.” 

“And Charlie — you have often heard of 
him,” Fred reminded his wife. 

“ Oh, yes ; I — I think so !” 

“ I am surprised, Mr. Perkins, that you 
have not asked the usual question. Put per- 
haps this is your first trip. ’ ’ 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Yes, it is.” 

“That accounts for it. Then I will vol- 
unteer the information. I expect to be 
away about two months. ’ ’ 

“ Where do you intend to travel ?” asked 
Mrs. Perkins. 

“ Ah, I see this is not your maiden voyage. 
I haven’t decided where I shall wander. I usu- 
ally leave such an important question to Fate 
and my inclination after reaching London.” 

^ “Are you and Charlie traveling to- 
gether?” Fred inquired. 

“Oh, dear, no!” exclaimed Charlie. 

Professor Chase looked at him ,a moment 
quizzically. “ If it would give you any sat- 
isfaction to add ‘ Heaven forbid,’ pray don’t 
mind me.” 

“Oh, I didn’t mean that, you know.” 

“ The fact is, Mrs. Perkins,” and the Pro- 
fessor turned toward the bride, ‘ ‘ the fact is, 
I am a very unfortunate and ill-treated man. 
Undergraduates hold the mistaken idea that 
I enjoy myself at their expense, so when they 
leave college they take advantage of every 
opportunity for revenge.” 

172 


TJje Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ I — I hope P'red — ” 

“Oh, your husband is an exception. I 
might almost say the exception proving the 
rule. That’s why he was one of my favorite 
students — if I may call him so.” 

“Yes — if,” laughed Charlie. 

Professor Chase checked a smile and con- 
tinued. “Always quiet and respectful; 
always diligent and attentive. He was an 
example, Mrs. Perkins. While others were 
wasting their time with athletics, your hus- 
band was doing his utmost to strengthen his 
mind ; while they attended card parties, 
balls, and various social functions, he burned 
his midnight oil.” 

“Oh, nonsense!” interrupted Charlie. 
“ There wasn’t a gayer fellow in college than 
Fred Perkins. And such a lady killer !” 

“ Was — was he very ])opular?” 

“ Popular ! Why, the girls were just crazy 
about him.” 

“Oh!” 

Fred gave his friend such a dig in the ribs 
that he almost knocked him over. “ You’ll 
ruin me,” he whispered. 

173 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

I'he Professor came boldly to the rescue. 

“I don’t wish to think that Mr. Patter- 
son is given to fabrications, ’ ’ he said, ‘ ‘ but 
knowing your husband as I do, I can as.sure 
you that such statements are incorrect, to say 
the least.” 

“ I — I hope so,” murmured Mrs. Perkins, 
and smiled weakly. 

'I'here was a moment’s pause and then 
Fred exclaimed: “Charlie, let’s — let’s go 
learn what time they have lunch.” 

“One o’clock,” said Charlie. 

“Are you sure? I think we had better 
find out,” and he gave him a meaning look. 

“Oh — certainly, of course.” 

“I’ll return in a few moments, Ellen.” 

“ Don’t hurry,” called the Professor after 
them. “ Mrs. Perkins and I will improve 
your absence to become better acquainted.” 

'Phe two friends walked arm in arm for a 
few steps without speaking, then Fred said : 
“ Charlie, I’m awfully glad to see you, you 
know, but — but you must be careful what 
you tell Ellen.” 

“ Is she jealous?” 


174 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Well, I can’t say that she’s exactly 
jealous, but she is such a good girl, you 
know, and she don’t know everything about 
me that she might.” 

“Oh, you were not so very wicked,” 
laughed Charlie. 

‘ ‘ No, of course not — not exactly wicked ; 
but I used to enjoy myself jjretty thoroughly, 
and 1 think I would prefer that Ellen should 
not know.” 

“ Afraid your chickens will come home to 
roost, eh?” 

“Just so. The truth is, Charlie — if you 
don’t mind my confiding in you — one of 
my chickens is on board. ’ ’ 

“ You don’t say ?” 

“Yes. A — a widow.” 

“Oh. An old one?” 

“ Not at all. I wish she v^ere. Perhaps 
you can help me.” 

“How?” 

“ By keeping her out of the way.” 

“But, Fred, I am not especially fond of 
fowls — that is to say, widowed fowls. ’ ’ 

“ Oh, but she is awfully attractive. I can 

175 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

speak from experience. Really, without 
joking, I am quite worried, because you see 
1 — I proposed to her.” 

“The deuce you did,” interrupted 
Charlie. 

“ I couldn’t help it, you know. She paid 
me a great deal of attention. It was two years 
ago, at York Harbor. She refused me, and I 
am very glad she did — now. Mrs. Rudolph 
is her name. You’ll meet her, won’t you?” 

“ Well— I don’t—” 

“ By Jove ! there she is now.” They had 
passed around the bow, and were approach- 
ing the entrance to the saloon. “ There — 
sitting just beyond that stout lady.” 

“So that’s your chicken, is it?” said 
Charlie, indifferently. He glanced in Mrs. 
Rudolph’s direction, and immediately his 
interest seemed aroused. 

“ Who is the pretty girl with her?” 

“ Her sister. Miss Carleton. You won’t 
refuse to help me, will you ?’ ’ 

“Certainly not, old chap.” 

“ I am very glad to meet you, Mr. Pat- 
176 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

terson,” said Mrs. Rudolph, with one of 
her becoming smiles, when the formalities 
of introduction had been properly dis- 
charged. You come highly recommended 
as a friend of Mr. Perry’s.” 

“ I am extremely proud of that recom- 
mendation since it proves of such value,” 
Charlie replied. 

Miss Carleton became interested. 

“It’s so nice to meet a lot of people on 
shipboard,” she said. 

“ Yes, and it is so easy to forget them — 
that is — I — I mean — the attractive people 
who come on board before sailing never 
remain” — he tried to continue, but seeing 
his mi.stake, stammered in confusion. 

“ I fear .you are getting into deepwater,” 
laughed Mi.ss Carleton. “ I hope you can 
swim. ’ ’ 

“ I think the best chance of being saved 
lies in the tru.st that you will throw me a 
rope,” Charlie responded. 

“If you depend upon my assistance I 
cannot allow you to drown. Please consider 
yourself on land again. ’ ’ 

12 177 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ And now you have your life to begin 
over,” cried Mrs. Rudolph, gayly. “What 
would you advise him to do with it, Mr. 
Perry ?” 

“ Devote it to his preserver,” said Fred. 

After a few minutes of conversation, Fred 
.suddenly remembered that he had a wife 
who was probably impatiently awaiting his 
return — to learn the lunch hour — so the two 
friends took their leave. 

“What did I tell you?” a.sked Fred, 
when they were alone. “ Isn’t she attract- 
ive ?” 

“ I suppose so,” Charlie replied. “She 
has an awfully nice sister. It’s a wonder 
you didn’t propose to her.” 

“ Perhaps I might have, but I met Mrs. 
Rudolph first, you know.” 

“ She doesn’t seem very familiar with 
your name, although she professes to know 
you so intimately.” 

“Well, no, not very,” and Fred ap- 
peared somewhat embarras.sed. 

“ You see, Charlie — you see, it was this 
way. Some of the fellows bet me, that 
178 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


summer at York Harbor, that I — I couldn’t 
be introduced to a girl under an assumed 
name and be with her constantly for two 
weeks without having the deception dis- 
covered. I took the bet, of course — I didn’t 
make it, you know — and it was during those 
two weeks that I met, became infatuated 
with, and proposed to Mrs. Rudolph. When 
she refu.sed me I left for home.” 

“And she still thinks — ” 

“ That my name is Mr. Perry.” 


179 


CHAPTER 11 


THE NEW MOON SETS 



Charlie Patter- 
son’s place at dinner 
was beside Mrs. Ru- 
dolph. It may have 
been chance, but Pro- 
fessor Chase thought 
otherwise. So did 
Charlie. Tire mis- 
fortune was that Miss 
Carleton sat upon her sister’s right instead of 
her left, and, to make matters worse, the 
chair beside her was filled by a young man. 

“An ugly-looking chap,” thought Char- 
lie. “ I hope he’ll be seasick and unable to 
come to meals. ” He could not resist the 
barbarous wish that Mrs. Rudolph might be 
affected by the weather also, for then there 
would be nothing to obstruct his view. 

The seats directly opposite were occupied 
i8o 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

by two boys and an anxious mother, whose 
one aim while at table seemed to be to keep 
them from eating more than they could pro- 
perly digest. Beside them sat a rough dia- 
mond from one of the Western States, tra- 
veling with his wife in search of the pleasure 
and recreation rightfully belonging to newly 
acquired wealth. 

For such a lively and entertaining woman 
Mrs. Rudolph had been very quiet ever since 
she first sat down. Charlie had done his 
utmost to awaken her interest, but without 
success, and finally relapsed into silence. 

“ I have been wondering,” she said after 
an interval ‘ ‘ that is — I — I thought perhaps 
you could tell me — is Mr. Perry engaged?” 

“Mr. Perry?” Charlie asked, forgetting 
that Fred had masciueraded under an as- 
sumed name. 

‘ ‘ Yes — our mutual friend. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Oh ! Why, no — he is not exactly en- 
gaged. He is — ” and then Charlie broke 
off abruptly. 

“ Very attentive to some one?” 

“ Yes — very. ” 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

‘ ‘ I thought so. ’ ’ 

“ You — you have seen her?” 

Yes, and I knew it couldn’t be his sister. 
He is with her so much.” 

“Yes, he is with her a good deal. The 
fact is — ” began Charlie thoughtfully, but 
Mrs. Rudolph interrupted. 

“You know we — we are great friends, 
Mr. Patterson. Perhaps he has told 
you?” 

“ Yes, he said that you — that he — ” 

‘ ‘ That we were a great deal together the 
summer before last ?’ ’ 

“Yes.” 

She laughed merrily. “ Oh, you fickle 
men ! To think that Mr. Perry, who was 
but two years ago my devoted admirer, 
should now be sighing for the smiles of 
another. Why, he was never happy away 
from my side ; I say it with all due modesty 
and in the strictest confidence. We rowed, 
drove, walked, in fact enjoyed ourselves to 
the fullest extent, and now — ” and she 
shrugged her shoulders expressively. 

As the Professor and Charlie left the dining 
1S2 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

saloon they met Fred Perkins and his wife, 
and pioceeded together to the deck. 

“ Let us go up in the bow,” Fred pro- 
posed, ‘ ‘ and enjoy the view. ’ ’ 

“ Look here, old man,” Charlie said 
when the others had pa.ssed out of hearing ; 
“ I want to know just how much of your 
past and present you wish kept secret. It’s 
a little embarrassing not to be able to answer 
questions. ’ ’ 

“What do you mean?” inquired Fred. 
“ Ellen hasn’t been asking anything, has 
she?” 

“ Oh ! no ; but Mrs. Rudolph has. ’ ’ 

“ You — you didn’t tell her?” 

“ No, for I thought it none of my busi- 
ness. But I may have concealed what you 
would like her to know. She asked if you 
were engaged. I replied, ‘ No, not exactly ’ 
— it was the only thing I could think to say 
under the circumstances. She said that 
she had seen you with a young lady a 
great deal, so I told her you were very 
attentive.” 

“ It was awfully good of you.” 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“Then you don’t want her to know of 
your marriage?’’ 

“ Well, you see Charlie — I — I — perhaps, 
since you said nothing about it, you know, 
there is no use in making any fuss — now is 
there?” 

“ But she will be sure to learn sooner or 
later.” 

“ I suppose so, but I prefer it should be 
later. The fact is — that summer when I 
proposed — I was idiot enough to tell her 
that I could never love another, and all that 
sort of rubbish. It was only two years ago. 
I — I am afraid she might make a fool of 
me. Besides Ellen might hear of it, and she 
is such an awfully good girl, you know,” 
and he shook his head doubtfully. 

“But if Mrs. Rudolph learns of your 
deception ?” 

“I — I hope she won’t. But it wasn’t 
my fault. The fellows shouldn’t have offered 
to bet me. They might have known I’d 
take it. Besides, if Mrs. Rudolph hadn’t 
been so attractive I wouldn’t have proposed. 
Surely I was not to blame for liking her. ’ ’ 
184 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

‘ ‘ No, but — ’ ’ 

“I hadn’t met Ellen then, you know. 
Perhaps — if — if in some way you could 
break it easy — that my name is not Perry — ’ ’ 

“No, no,” interrupted Charlie; “that’s 
a responsibility I must decline.” 

“ But you promised to help.” 

“ Not in that way. Any disclosures you 
have to make must be direct. I don’t mind 
agreeing to a deception to help a friend, but 
I object to telling the tnith to explain 
matters. ’ ’ 

“ Well — you will at least help me to pre- 
vent Ellen and Mrs. Rudolph from meet- 
ing?” 

“ Yes, if I can. Come, we had better 
join the others, or your wife will suspect that 
you have a secret from her. ’ ’ 

“Yes, and be asking embarras.sing ques- 
tions,” and Fred winced. 

The vessel by this time had gained the 
open sea, and gliding proudly onward, 
ploughed through the waves, leaving behind 
a long, broad furrow. It was a beautiful 
evening — the kind one reads and dreams 
X85 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


about while upon land, when mal-de-mer is 
but an indefinite possibility. 

Charlie Patterson retired to his stateroom 
quite early. He had searched everywhei^ 
for Miss Carleton, but she was not to be 
found, and somehow the deck lost its at- 
traction 

The Professor wandered about, chatting 
with his friends, of whom there were quite 
a number on board, and making numerous 
acquaintances. 'Phis seemed to be his one 
ambition, and he was not at all particular in 
his choice, being an old traveler and know- 
ing that friends upon the sea are not neces- 
sarily intimate on land 

When finally he descended to his state- 
room, he found ("harlie asleep in the upper 
berth. He opened his eyes as the Professor 
turned on the light and muttered something 
unintelligible. 

‘ ‘ I have no doubt that what you say is 
perfectly true,” as.sented Professor Chase. 
“I am unable to dispute the point with 
you at all events. I admire your foresight 
and thoughtfulness in choosing the upper 

i86 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

berth, and am very much pleased with 
myself for having selected you as a room- 
mate.” 

‘ ‘ I knew that you engaged the lower 
berth,” growled Charlie. 

“Yes, I’m no longer young and charm- 
ing.” 

“ You keep rather late hours for a cente- 
narian. ’ ’ 

“ I had a duty to perform toward society 
as a public entertainer. I have been making 
acquaintances, and already their name is 
legion. By the way, you remember the 
minister and his wife we noticed embarking 
this morning?” 

“ Yes. ” 

“ Have you seen them anywhere?” 

“ No.” 

“ Strange. It really makes no difference, 
but it seems like such a mysterious disap- 
pearance. I hope he hasn’t been driven to 
commit suicide.” 

It was just at that moment that a loud 
and discordant voice from the adjoining 
stateroom said: “Frederick, 1 wish you 
187 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


would shut the trunk and turn out the 
light.” 

“Yes, my dear; in one minute,” replied 
another voice distinctly masculine. 

The Professor looked at Charlie inquir- 
ingly. 

“Fred Perkins and his wife are next 
door,” said Charlie. 

“ That wasn’t Mrs. Perkins’ voice. I 
wouldn’t insult her with even the 
thought. ’ ’ 

“Mr. Perry,” continued the first voice, 
and Fred started ; “ Mr. Perry, are you 
going to put out that light ?’ ’ 

“ Yes, my love.” 

“ It blinds me. ” 

“lam sorry, but — ” 

“Oh, don’t apologize; it will take too 
long.” 

The Professor glanced at Charlie again. 

“No,” said Charlie, “that is certainly 
not Mrs. Perkins.” 

And then a sweet voice from the state- 
room on the other side said: “Fred — you 
— you are happy, aren’t you?” 

i88 


The Phases of the Honeymoon . 

“Of course I am, Ellen dear. Are not 
you?’’ 

“ Perfectly.” 

The Professor smiled. 

‘ ‘ Married two days and still happy. Won- 
derful !” 


CHAPTER III 


THE FIRST QUARTER MOON RISES 

Charlie had his 
wish the third day 
out. The “ ugly 
chap ’ ’ who sat by 
Miss Carleton at the 
table was seasick, so 
was Mrs. Rudolph ; but, contrary to expecta- 
tions, so was Charlie himself. While every 
one was at dinner the vessel ran into a little 
squall, and the rapidity with which the 
majority of the passengers arose and left the 
saloon was a convincing testimony to the 
power of matter over mind. 

Professor Chase, Mr. Higgins, and a 
deaf old gentleman, whose seat adjoined 
the Professor’s, were left alone in their 
glory. 

“ Monarchs of all we survey,” murmured 
the gentleman affected with deafness. 

190 



The Phases of the Honeymoon 


“ C-c-can’t say that I ur-ur-rejoice in the 
fact,” Mr. Higgins replied. “When a 
f-fuf- fellow wants to eat, he’s sure to be in a 
dud-dud-desert, an’ when he ain’t hungry, 
owin’ tut-tut-to circumstances over which he 
has no c-c-control, there’s enough food on 
hand tut-tut-to feed an army.” 

“'I'liat’s true,” said the Profes.sor. “An- 
other fact is that the majority of these mor- 
tals who have so hastily left us, will appear 
to-morrow in yachting caps and walk the 
deck with an imitation seaman’s roll.” 

“ Eh?” ejaculated the old gentleman. 

“ I a.sked if you would kindly pass me a 
roll — bread, you know — bread.” 

“The bread?” 

“If you, please. Thanks.” 

The rough weather pa.ssed completely 
away during the night, and in the morning 
the .sea was as smooth as a lake. The pas- 
sengers ventured on deck, and every one 
was happy once more 

Charlie Patterson joined Miss Carleton 
directly after breakfast, and they enjoyed a 
long promenade. This had become a daily 
191 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

institution. It would have been hourly had 
Charlie’s wishes been consulted, for aside 
from Miss Carleton’s attractions was the 
pleasure of being seen with a preity girl. It 
adds greatly to one’s importance. 

But Miss Carleton did not care to be 
always on exhibition as a deck-walker, pre- 
ferring to pass the time in reading, though 
this was difficult when Charlie interrupted .so 
constantly. His idea of helping Fred as 
regards Mrs. Rudolph seemed to be by 
being attentive to the widow’s pretty sister, 
which was a most original way of consider- 
ing the matter. 

“ I hope you have entirely recovered from 
your involuntary illness,” .said Miss Carleton 
teasingly, as they walked the deck. 

“ Entirely. But I — I was not seasick.” 

“ Oh ! of course not. As with everyone 
else, the hot air in the saloon made you 
faint.” 

“ Precisely.” 

“ And rather than remain, when so many 
around you were leaving — ’ ’ 

“ I see you thoroughly understand my 
192 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

case,” interrupted Charlie, laughing. “You 
speak as one having experience.” 

“ Well, yes ; I have.” 

“ Were you affected also?” 

“Oh, don’t be so eager. I confess that 
the various courses lost their charm — after 
you left, of course — and, being a lone 
woman among a number of men, my 
modesty prompted me to withdraw. ’ ’ 

“lam so glad.” 

“ That I am modest?” 

“ No ; glad because you are only a weak 
mortal after all — subject to the ills that flesh 
is heir to as much as I am.” 

“Oh, you are cruel !” 

“ Not at all. But it is such a satisfaction 
to know that one has company in misery. 
You can’t imagine how provoked I was last 
evening after I had retired. Profes.sor Chase 
entered the stateroom as composedly as 
though he were on land, while I was suffer- 
ing the alarms of apprehension. He turned 
up the light, gazed at me a moment, and 
then said : ‘ Clorious weather, isn’t it? The 
strong probability is that we shall have a 

13 193 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

storm, which would be unfortunate when 
every one seems to be enjoying the trip.’ 
I was so irritated I turned my back upon 
him and answered never a word.” 

Miss Carleton laughed merrily. 

“ You have my deepest sympathy,” she 
said. 

“ If I had felt assured of that last even- 
ing it would have cheered me greatly. I 
was much in need of comfort, for, in ad- 
dition to the Professor’s inhumanity, the 
couple occupying the adjoining stateroom — 
a reverend Mr. Perry and his wife — seemed 
to be suffering agony, judging from their 
groans, and of course I endured increased 
torment in consequence.” 

“ Is this Mr. Perry any relation to your 
friend.” 

“ My friend? Oh, no, none at all — that 
is, not that I know of.” 

“ What has become of him? I haven’t 
seen him since yesterday morning.” 

“ Oh, he’s somewhere about.” 

Charlie felt himself treading upon danger- 
ous ground, and thought best to step carefully. 

194 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

I suppose his fair charmer occupies his 
time,” said Miss Carleton. 

“Yes, I — I suppose so. Besides, you 
know, probably he was seasick last even- 
ing.” 

“ Probably. Men seem subject to the in- 
fluence of the waves,” and she glanced at 
him slyly. 

Miss Carleton’ s supposition regarding 
Fred Perkins was correct. So was Charlie’s. 
Between Fred’s fair charmer and seasickness 
his time was very much occupied indeed. 
Fiver since their hurried departure from the 
dinner-table he had done his utmost to 
cheer the drooping spirits of his wife, but 
had failed utterly, his own tide of content- 
ment being at a very low ebb. But the tide 
turned when the waves subsided, and by the 
following morning the river of his happiness 
was full once more. 

Mrs. Perkins, looking rather pale after 
the experience of the previous day, sat upon 
deck and idly watched the passengers as they 
paraded by. Fred dozed peacefully in a 
chair by her .side. 


195 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


A plain, homely-looking woman, wrapt in 
shawls from head to foot, sat a few feet dis- 
tant, reading a yellovz-covered novel. But 
it did not appear to interest her, for every 
few moments she would glance about as 
though in search of something more absorb- 
ing. Finally siie laid down the book, and 
yav/ning loudly, said to Mrs. Perkins, in a 
decided drawl : “ Fearful monotonous, ain’t 
it?” 

” Yes, a little,” replied the young bride, 
.smiling languidly. 

‘ ‘ Been seasick ?’ ’ 

“ La.st evening.” 

” So was I — a trifle. Fact is, pretty much 
every one was, I reckon. Your name’s Per- 
kins, ain’t it?” 

“Yes; Mrs. Perkins.” 

“ I thought so. Mine’s Higgins. 'I'his 
is our first trip. We never had much of a 
chance before. I reckon you and your hus- 
band ain’t been over often,” and she laughed 
loudly. 

“ No — not — not very,” Mrs. Perkins re- 
.sponded timidly. 


196 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Mr. Higgins calls the ocean ‘ the pond.’ 
That’s one of his jokes. Going to stay 
across long ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ About two months. ’ ’ 

“Oh ! we’re going to be gone six at any 
rate. Mr. Higgins says, that while we’re 
tripping, we might as well do it right, and 
so do 1, don’t you? What’s the use of 
traveling around unless you’re going to see 
things? We’re rich, you know, and don’t 
have to work, and Mr. Higgins says that 
we might as well enjoy ourselves, and so do 
I, don’t you? I haven’t seen anything so 
far so fearful wonderful though. They tell 
me there’s heaps to view on the other side, 
ain’t that so?” 

“ So I understand,” murmured Mrs. Per- 
kins. 

Mrs. Higgins relapsed into silence for a 
few minutes and then a.sked : “Do you 
know Mrs. Rudolph?” 

“No — I — I think not.” 

“She’s a widow, and I guess a gay one. 
I overheard her at the table telling how she 
had a flirtation with a Rev. Mr. Perry two 
197 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

or three years ago. He’s on board with his 
wife. I reckon she don’t know anything 
about it. I declare it’s shameful how some 
women carry on, ain’t it? Mr. Higgins 
says that if any female ever tried flirting 
with him he’d give her a piece of his mind, 
and so would I, wouldn’t you?” 

So saying she yawned, stretched herself, 
arose and folded the shawls. 

‘ ‘ I must go down and fix up a bit before 
lunch, ’ ’ and she moved away. As she was 
about to descend the main stairway she 
happened to glance into the little public sit- 
ting-room and immediately determined to 
enter. Mrs. Perry lay stretched upon a sofa. 

“Good morning,” said Mrs. Higgins, 
heartily, “ain’t you feeling well?” 

She had made Mrs. Perry’s acquaintance 
the day before, and by this time considered 
herself quite an intimate friend. 

“ After that fearful gale of last evening my 
health could scarcely be expected to be very 
robust,” Mrs. Perry replied with dignity. 

“ No, no, of course not. I’d entirely for- 
got the rough weather.” 

198 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Mrs. Perry looked at her reproachfully. 
“If you had experienced the tortures I suf- 
fered, ’ ’ she said, ‘ ‘ you could not forget so 
easily.” 

“Yes, I reckon you’re right,” and she 
seated herself by Mrs. Perry’s side. “I’m 
sorry you had such a time of it. Mr. Hig- 
gins says that if a person gets seasick he 
don’t know what they want to go on the 
water for, and I don’t neither, do you? 
How’s Mr. Perry stand it?” 

“ Mr. Perry is unable to sympathize.” 

“ Wasn’t he sick ?” 

“ He professes to have been, but he has 
an unsympathetic nature. He cannot ap- 
preciate my sufferings.” 

“ No more can Mr. Higgins, but then he’s 
not affected by the weather. If you’d eat a 
real hearty meal you’d feel better. You 
better had go down to lunch and make up 
for lost time,” and she laughed. 

“I have been advised to eat nothing,” 
replied Mrs. Perry, folding her hands in 
meek resignation to her fate. 

“You don’t say? What a foolish idea! 

199 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Mr. Higgins says, eat as much as you can, 
as often as you can, and I don’t know but 
what he’s about right.” 

“ I think the judgment of the ship’s phy- 
sician is worthy of acceptance,” and Mrs. 
Perry closed her eyes, as though the matter 
were settled for all time. 

Mrs. Higgins winced. She was not ac- 
customed to having her husband’s wisdom 
questioned. After a moment of thoughtful 
silence she asked : “Do you know many on 
board ?’ ’ 

“No,” replied Mrs. Perry, opening her 
eyes wearily. “ I am very particular about 
my acquaintances.” 

“So am I. A person can’t be too care- 
ful who they know, can they? I’ve took 
such a liking to your husband.” 

“ Indeed.” 

“ He seems such an inoffensive sort of a 
man and so jolly. ’ ’ 

“ Jolly ! May I inquire what you imply ?’ ’ 

“Nothing, only he’s always looking on 
the bright side of things, like Mr. Higgins. 
He’s a great favorite, ain’t he?” 


200 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ He is well liked, I believe,” and Mrs. 
Perry closed her eyes again. 

‘ ‘ I thought so, I overheard a young widow 
saying what fine times her and him had to- 
gether. ’ ’ 

Mrs. Ferry’s eyes flew wide open. 

“ When?” she inquired quickly. 

“ d'wo or three summers ago, she said. ” 

“ I think you are mistaken.” 

“ No, no — I’m sure of it. At the sea- 
shore or somewhere. She seemed awfully 
fond of him.” 

Mrs. Perry sat upright. 

“ Oh, you needn’t be jealous, my dear !” 
laughed Mrs. Higgins. 

‘ ‘ Jealous ! The idea. ’ ’ 

“Of course not. I’ve no doubt they 
acted perfectly proper, or she wouldn’t have 
mentioned it.” 

“ Yes, yes, of course. No one would dare 
insinuate that my husband acted improperly. ’ ’ 

“ Certainly they wouldn’t. There are so 
many stories one hears about folks, and if 
you believed them all, you’d be on pins and 
needles all the time, wouldn’t you?” 


201 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

‘ ‘ Did you say this — this woman was on 
board?” 

‘ ‘ Yes. She sits opposite me at the table. ’ ’ 

“ What did you hear her remark?” Mrs. 
Perry glanced through the porthole with a 
well-assumed air of indifference. 

“ Oh, only that her and Mr. Perry was a 
great deal together. No doubt she is one of 
his parishioners.” 

“ Yes, yes ; no doubt.” 

“ She said they walked, rode, bathed — ” 

“They didn’t bathe?” interrupted Mrs. 
Perry. 

“Well, perhaps not; I may have misun- 
derstood. But they drove and — Mr. Perry 
don’t dance, does he ?” 

“ Certainly not. You seem to forget 
that he is a minister of the gospel,” and 
Mrs. Perry’s voice was most frigid. 

“ Why, of course he is, but he don’t act 
exactly like one. I couldn’t hear every- 
thing she said, for she wasn’t talking to me, 
but I’m sure it was all perfectly proper. 
Hope I haven’ t told anything to worry you. 
I didn’t intend to.” 


202 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

‘ ‘ I have no cause for worriment, ’ ’ re- 
plied Mrs. Perry, still in tones of icy cool- 
ness. 

“ No, of course not. No cause whatever. 
My, my ! there’s the gong for lunch, and I 
ain’t fixed,” and she arose hurriedly. “ Bet- 
ter come down and eat something. Mr. 
Higgins says there’s nothing like eating as 
much a.s you can, and I think so too, don’t 
you ?’ ’ 

She nodded pleasantly as she left the 
room, whispering to herself while descend- 
ing the stairway : “ Fhere ; 1 reckon I put 
a bee in her bonnet.” 


203 


CHAPTER IV 


THE FIRST QUARTER MOON SETS 

‘ ‘ A MAN with your 
opportunities for 
mingling with hu- 
manity, Mr. Perry, 
must have formed 
very broad views, ’ ’ 
said the Professor. 

They had been promenading for some 
time ; so long, in fact, that the Professor, 
with his cultivated craving for chairs, should 
have wearied of the exercise. But he was 
in his element. He had found a listener. 
One who had learned through past experi- 
ence to exhibit a semblance of attention 
while fond mothers were extolling the virtues 
of their crying babes. So, while the Rev. 
Mr. Perry had ceased after the third turn to 
take any great interest in his companion’s 
philosophy, he smiled and nodded and said : 

204 



The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Dear, dear !” and “ You don’t say so !” in 
the right place, lending, to all appearances, 
a most attentive ear. 

“ Yes,” he responded to Professor Chase’s 
remark; “I’ve had some opportunities to 
study humanity, I suppose — that is to say, 1 
may have had in the past. I have not 
preached for a number of years, you know. ’ ’ 

“Indeed ! I should imagine it a loss to 
the profession.” 

“Well — no, not exactly. You see 1 
married about thirty years ago, and — ’ ’ 

“I understand,” interrupted the Pro- 
fessor. 

Mr. Perry glanced at his companion 
quickly, as though fearful lest he understood 
too much, but the latter was innocently 
studying the waves. 

“ I married, and my voice gave out, 
and—” 

“ You claim no connection between the 
two events, of course.” 

“ Oh, no ! My wife considered me no 
longer fitted for the ministry.” 

“ You surprise me.” 

205 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

‘ ‘ I — I mean with my weak voice, you 
know.” 

“Oh !” 

“ So I surrendered my charge and have 
been connected with the Board of Foreign 
Missions ever since. I shall be pleased to 
have you meet Mrs. Perry.” 

“You are very kind.” 

“ I consider Mrs. Perry in many ways a 
remarkable woman. She posses.ses great 
executive ability, and — and talent for man- 
agement. I suppose it is but natural for me 
to praise her, however.” 

“ Not at all,” Professor Chase assured 
him. 

“She is a remarkable woman,” repeated 
Mr. Perry, musingly. “ Every one says so, 
and I suppose I ought to consider myself 
very fortunate — of course I do, you know.” 

“ Oh, of course !” 

“By the way, the gong for lunch hasn’t 
sounded, has it?” 

“I think not. You wouldn’t find me 
above deck if it had.” 

“ Mrs. Perry is very methodical in all her 
206 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

actions — too much so sometimes — oh, of 
course, she is perfectly right ! Nature in its 
perfection is methodical. ’ ’ 

“And a machine also,” muttered Pro- 
fessor Chase. 

“She has always firmly believed that a 
person should rise, eat, and retire at the 
same hours from day to day, the year round. 
1 suppose it’s but natural for me to believe 
so, too. It makes a man feel unusually sin- 
ful when he disagrees.” 

“ If it w'ould make men repent, it might 
be a good idea for them to disagree 
oftener. ” 

“ Well — yes — perhaps. I believe in any- 
thing that will help humanity. But it 
wouldn’t do for me to disagree, you know. 
I feel confident that Mrs. Perry knows what 
is right. Take the other night for instance. 
I was a little late in retiring, because I 
searched everywhere for my slippers without 
success. Now I suppose it was thoughtless 
in me to keep the light burning, but I 
might need those slippers sometime.” 

“ Doubtless. We always need what we are 
207 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

without. I trust subsequent searches en- 
abled you to recover your property. ’ ’ 

“No— can’t find them. I asked the 
steward, but he pleaded innocence, and ex- 
hibited a great lack of interest.” 

“ You astonish me. Stewards have such 
strong hopes of earning their reward — I 
speak of temporal things, of course. It 
would not have been surprising if he had 
removed your slippers to give them a shine. 
These ship stewards have such a mania for 
cleaning shoes Probably because our foot- 
wear is not in need of cleaning. Yesterday 
morning my room-mate found his new tan 
colored shoes nicely smeared with something 
resembling walnut stain. Now he hides his 
property above the life preservers on the ceil- 
ing, and so puts them to a practical use. .\h ! 
here comes the fa.scinating Mrs. Rudolph,” 
and the Professor instinctively straightened 
his cravat “ Shall we join her?” 

“ I — I haven’t met her.” 

“I’ll introduce you ” 

‘ ‘ Thanks Another time. I — I must see 
how my wife is progressing,” 

208 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


So saying, the Rev. Mr. Perry dodged 
through an entrance and came out upon 
deck on the other side of the ship. He 
looked up and down a moment in doubt 
which direction to take, but the question was 
decided for him. The gong sounded for 
lunch. Hastening below with those who are 
always foremost at meal-time, he seated him- 
self at the table, then, suddenly noticing his 
wife’s absence, and remembering that she 
was not in the best of health or spirits, he 
arose and went in search of her. She was 
not where he had expected — Professor Chase 
would have told him that women never are 
— and of course she was in the last place he 
looked. Peeping into the little sitting-room, 
he found Mrs. Perry still reclining upon a 
sofa, with eyes closed and hands folded as 
though in sweet repose ; and, treading care- 
fully lest he should disturb her, he turned to 
depart in peace. But Mrs. Perry opened 
her eyes and at the same time lifted up her 
voice. 

“ Mr. Perry I” she called. 

He stopped instantly. He had frequently 
14 2og 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

heard his name uttered in just those tones 
before. 

‘ ‘ Mr. Perry, ’ ’ his wife continued, ‘ ‘ where 
are you going ?” 

“ To lunch, my dear.” 

“To lunch!” and her voice was most 
disdainful. 

“ Yes — the — the gong has sounded, I be- 
lieve. I’ve been searching for you every- 
where. ’ ’ 

“ You knew where to find me — had you 
wished.” 

“ Oh : no — I — I thought you were in the 
stateroom. Are you feeling better?” 

Mrs. Perry gave no reply. 

“ Don’t you think that if you should eat 
a little something — ’ ’ 

“Eat!” Mrs. Perry interrupted reproach- 
fully. “If you had any sympathy for suf- 
fering — ” 

“ Oh ! now, my dear — ’ ’ 

“If you had any sympathy,” repeated 
his wife, carefully accenting each word, 
“you would not insult me by mentioning 
food. Where have you been all morning?” 


210 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Oh ! promenading the deck — ” 

“With that widow?” 

“ What widow, my love ?” • 

“ Oh ! there is no need for such a show 
of innocence. It is useless. 1 know all.” 

‘ ‘ I — I am afraid, my dear, ) ou know far 
more than 1 do.” 

“ Yes, I do ; I do. You imagined I knew 
nothing. You thought to deceive me. Just 
as though I didn’t see your faithlessness two 
years ago.” 

Mr. Ferry looked at her bewilderingly 
and took the determination to consult the 
ship’s doctor at the earliest opportunity. 

“ Do you deny it ?” continued Mrs. Perry, 
gradually drifting into a passion. 

“ Deny what, my love?” 

“ Everything, anything. That you walked, 
drove, bathed — yes, bathed — danced for all I 
know. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ I most certainly deny — ’ ’ 

“ Oh ! of course you do ; of course you 
do. I couldn’t expect you — ^a minister of 
the gospel — to acknowledge it. Perhaps you 
think I don’t know the woman’s name? 


211 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

But you can’t deceive me. It is scandal- 
ous 1 ’ ’ 

She sprang to her feet, forgetful of her 
sufferings from seasickness, and majestically 
swept from the room. Mr. Perry sank upon 
the sofa his wife had left and slowly shook 
his head with an air of deep perplexity. 

. But the minister was not the only one to 
feel himself grievously misunderstood. He 
lamented because his wife considered him 
such a depraved specimen of humanity. 
Fred Perkins underwent pangs of remorse 
because his wife thought him but “a little 
lower than the angels,” and in dread an- 
ticipation he pictured the time when her 
imagination would shear him of his sprout- 
ing wings. I'he angels of darkness would 
then be his a.ssociates. 

“livery time she looks at me in that 
trustful way she has,” he said to Charlie 
Pattenson that evening, “ I feel as though I 
had committed some crime. And I have 
become so afraid of her questions. This 
morning we happened to pass the smoking- 
room when they were selling the pools on 


2 I 2 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

the run for the day. Ellen asked what they 
were doing. I hadn’t the heart to tell her, 
because she might have thought I knew too 
much about such things ; so I said : ‘ Oh, 
I guess they’re selling stocks.’ Of course 
she believed it — she’s such a good girl, 
you know, and she merely replied that 
men seemed to think of nothing but busi- 
ness.” 

“ If I were you, old man,” Charlie ad- 
vised, “ I would confess everything.” 

“You mean tell Ellen that I — I went 
under an assumed name ?’ ’ 

“Yes.” 

“ But Charlie — I — I — I don’t know how 
she would take it. You see I’ve never told 
her anything like that before. You can un- 
derstand.” 

“ I am a bachelor.” 

“Yes, of course. But — Ellen don’t know 
anything about my past. She took me on 
faith, and if I told her that the mistakes of 
my life had been many, she would begin to 
wonder if the sins were not a great many 
more. When you are married — ” 

213 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“1 have no such intention,” interrupted 
Charlie. 

“ Perhaps not. I said when you are, you 
know, for of course you shall be some day. 
I’ve noticed you in such constant attendance 
upon a certain pretty young lady that I had 
begun to wonder — ” 

“Speaking of paying attention,” Charlie 
put in, “ don’t you think you are entirely 
too devoted to Mrs. Rudolph for a married 
man ? Your wife will become jealous. ” 

“Oh! I — I am not devoted. I haven’t 
been with her at all until this morning, and 
then Ellen wa.sn’t feeling very well. You 
see. I’ve been afraid Mrs. Rudolph would 
suspect the truth if I didn’t — didn’t speak 
to her once in a while.” 

“I can’t see what difference it would 
make if she did.” 

“Don’t you, though?” Fred replied 
thoughtfully. “ Perhaps not. ' But I’d feel 
like such a fool, you know.” 

Proceeding toward the vessel’s stern, they 
found Mrs. Perkins reclining upon a steamer 
chair, with a book in her hand. But she 
214 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


was not reading. She was gazing out over 
the waves, and the far-away look in her eyes 
seemed to pierce even beyond the distant 
horizon. With a start, she glanced up 
quickly when her husband spoke her name, 
and. seeing Charlie, welcomed him cordially. 

“I am glad' that you have not entirely 
forsaken me, Mr. Patterson,” she said smil- 
ing brightly, and when Mrs. Perkins smiled, 
dimples never showed to better advantage 

“ My inclinations could never permit me 
to do that,” Charlie replied, somewhat sur- 
prised at her manner. She had seemed so 
shy and reserved. 

“And yet,” she responded, “you have 
not been so attentive as you might.” 

Fred experienced an uneasiness in the 
neighborhood of his conscience, feeling, with 
a man’s natural conceit, that the remark was 
aimed at him. 

“Perhaps,” continued Mrs. Perkins, 
smiling archly, while those bewitching dim- 
ples were very much in evidence ; “ perhaps 
there is a magnet elsewhere which you can- 
not resist.” 


215 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ If such were the case 1 would be blame- 
less,” Charlie replied in some embarrass- 
ment, and then struck with an idea, he 
added; “and if there were an irresistible 
magnet elsewhere, how would it be possible 
for me to be here ?” 

‘ ‘ Very good, ’ ’ nodded Mrs. Perkins. 

‘ ‘ Evidently you have profited from associa- 
tion with Profe.s.sor Chase.” 

Here Fred thought it time to make a re- 
mark. 

“You appear very much better this even- 
ing, Ellen,” he said. 

‘ ‘ Very much, thank you. ’ ’ 

Her reply was certainly all that could have 
been expected, yet when analyzed did not 
seem altogether satisfactory — to Fred at least. 

“lam very glad to see you so — so cheer- 
ful,” he said. 

“And so cordial in your welcome to your 
friends,” Charlie added. 

“ Of whom I am a chief. ” 

It was the Professor who claimed such pre- 
eminence. He had come upon them un- 
awares, just in time to hear Charlie’s remark. 

216 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


“ I always enjoy dropping down suddenly 
unannounced,” he laughed. “I mean a 
metaphorical drop, of course. It creates 
surprise, and surprise increases pleasure — 
providing it be pleasant. That’s what lends 
excitement to gambling. I’ve just come 
from the smoking-room where a man is 
losing at cards all the money he won betting 
on the vessel’s daily run. 'The numbers w'ere 
sold at auction this morning, and he was 
lucky. ” 

Mrs. Perkins looked perplexed. 

‘ ‘ They do it every day, you know', and 
really it is quite interesting. Just like a stock 
exchange. Your husband will explain it to 
you some day. ’ ’ 

Mrs. Perkins no longer looked perplexed. 

“ Oh, yes !” she replied thoughtfully ; “ I 
— I think 1 understand.” 


217 


CHAPTER V 


FULL MOON 


The Professor 
was beginning to be 
worried. Charlie 
Patterson talked in 
his sleep. What he 
said was unintelligi- 
ble, but the fact that 
he had talked at all 
proved that he had something on his mind, 
and that was very serious. 

The truth of the matter is Charlie was on 
the threshold of that interesting state when 
a man wonders whether he be in love. He 
was quite sure of it in the morning, after 
dreaming all sorts of impossible adventures 
with Miss Carleton as the heroine ; but at 
night, when the “ ugly chap ” had been most 
attentive, and Charlie felt miserable in con- 
218 



The Phases of the Honeymoon , 

sequence, he had great doubts whether there 
was any such thing as love. 

Professor Chase’s reasoning was of a con- 
verse order. That is why he was worried. 
Charlie’s condition at the end of the day 
seemed to him far more serious than at the 
beginning, and he began to dislike the ugly 
chap” also, but for a different reason than 
his young room-mate’s. Not that the Pro- 
fessor had any objection to matrimony — for 
others, but to take a wife himself seemed 
such a tremendous risk, to say nothing of the 
annoyances and discomforts of the rough 
course true love must travel. How was a 
man to know that he really cared for a 
woman until he had married her ? Then 
suppose he found his mistake, or met some 
one he liked better ? It would be (juite 
vexing. 

But Charlie Patterson was young and a 
philosopher of an opposite type, so while 
he wondered where his devotion would end, 
he did not hesitate to pay Miss Carleton 
every attention within his power. And she ? 
Well, she appeared to like him very much 
219 


^ The Phases of the Honeymoon 

indeed, and graciously accepted his at- 
tentions. Surely that was most encouraging, 
and no one could expect more after such a 
brief acquaintance. 

Fred Perkins sought his friend the morn- 
ing after the division in the house of Perry, 
and found him standing alone in the bow, 
gazing thoughtfully into space. Fred was 
jubilant. 

“ Hello there, Charlie !” he cried ; “of 
what thinkest thou?” 

“Oh, nothing in particular,” Charlie re- 
plied briefly, which was not at all compli- 
mentary to Miss Carleton. 

“ Beautiful morning, isn’t it?” said Fred 
enthusiastically. “ I never enjoyed myself 
so much.” 

“ You have reason to be happy,” and 
(Charlie sighed inwardly. 

“Of course I have. But do you know, 
Kllen and I almost had a quarrel last night. 
Yes, really. She was rather cut up about 
that stock selling in the smoking-room, and 
1 had to explain matters. I acknowledged 
that I tried to deceive her to spare her feel- 


220 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

ings, and one admission led to another until 
I told everything.” 

“You did ? (lood for you. She \va.sn’t 
very severe, was she ?’ ’ 

“ No — not more than might be expected. 
She thought 1 should have confes.sed before, 
and I suppose she is right. But she has for- 
given everything and we are perfectly happy 
to-day.” 

He hesitated a moment, and then added, 
“You see, I didn’t think it necessary to 
tell her about my attentions to Mrs. Ru- 
dolph.” 

“ Why, you said you confessed every- 
thing,” Charlie interrupted. 

“Yes — everything that — that was neces- 
sary. I told her how the fellows bet me 
1 couldn’t go under an assumed name for 
two weeks without being found out, and she 
agreed with me that they had no business to 
offer such a wager. I didn’t think it best 
to say anything about my falling in love. 
Ellen might not have liked it, you know. 
Besides, it wouldn’t be quite fair to Mrs. 
Rudolph — now would it?” 


221 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ It seems to me your wife’s feelings are 
the first to be considered.” 

“ That’s just it. I — I didn’t wish to worry 
her. By the way, Ellen seems to have taken 
a great fancy to you.” 

“ Has she, indeed !” and Charlie appeared 
interested, for though on the ragged edge of 
being in love with another, he had not ceased 
to love himself and flattery still strongly ap- 
pealed to his self-esteem. 

“Yes,” continued Fred, “she has men- 
tioned you already several times this morn- 
ing. I think she said there was something 
about which she wished to ask you. I’ll 
begin to feel jealous soon,” and he laughed. 

“Oh! you need not fear me,” said 
Charlie, with another inward sigh as he 
thought of “nothing in particular.” “Is 
your wife on deck?” he asked presently. 

“Yes. In the spot we monopolize near 
the stern.” 

So they proceeded there together. 

“Ellen,” said Fred, “you have some- 
thing to ask Charlie, haven’t you?” 

“I? Why — why no, I — I think not,” 


222 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Mrs. Perkins replied; “though 1 am very 
glad to see him, of course.” 

“ I thought you wished to question 
him—” 

‘ ‘ Oh ! you must have misunderstood, ’ ’ 
she interrupted. 

“Perhaps it’s just as well,” Charlie ob- 
served, stretching himself in Fred’s steamer 
chair. “ Some questions are so difficult to 
answer, and I might only exhibit my igno- 
rance. ’ ’ 

“ But of course you would answer them if 
you could?” 

“Oh! of course.” 

‘ ‘ Some time, ’ ’ and she nodded her head 
thoughtfully, ‘ ‘ some time I may try to think 
of a few queries — ^just to test your ability, 
you know.” 

Fred moved away. 

“ You are not going to leave us?” she 
called after him. 

“ Oh ! no ; I thought I would walk around 
the deck. Fll be back in a minute.” 

Mrs. Perkins looked after her husband for 
some time, even when he had disappeared 
223 


The Phases of the Honejnnoon 

around the bow, and then suddenly turning 
asked : “ You have known Fred a long 

while, haven’t you, Mr. Patterson?” 

“ Oh ! yes,” said Charlie, “even before 
we went to college.” 

“ Fred must have been a great favorite 
with — with every one,” she remarked pres- 
ently. 

“There never was a greater. He is so 
good-natured and always so willing to do a 
friend a service. Fred was invited every- 
where and the fellows would have sooner 
postponed a smoker or a supper until a time 
he could attend rather than leave him out.” 

“ And the ladies?” inquired Mrs. Perkins, 
laughing, though without merriment. “ You 
need not be afraid to tell, for of course Fred 
has confided everything to me long ago.” 

Charlie could not but wonder why she 
should wish to hear what she already knew 
and resolved to go cautiously. 

“ Oh ! the ladies were fond of him, too,” 
he said, “and he was fond of them.” 

“Yes, yes; of course.” 

“But Fred was unlike most fellows,” 
224 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Charlie qdded. “ Others fell in love with a 
dozen different girls in the course of a year, 
but he never did which was strictly true, 
for Fred’s best record was nine. 

Mrs. Perkins seemed relieved, but not 
wholly so, for presently she e.xclaimed, as 
though wishing to give the impression that 
the thought had just occurred to her and was 
of no consequence whatever : “By the way, 
do you know Mrs. Rudolph ?’ ’ 

“ Mrs. Rudolph ?’’ Charlie repeated, with 
a show of innocence, while inwardly won- 
dering why she asked the question. “ Oh ! 
yes — I — I have met her.” 

“I have noticed her promenading with 
Profes-sor Chase a number of times,” Mrs. 
Perkins continued. “ I was wondering what 
she was like. Have you known her long?” 

“ No, I never met her before this trip ; in 
fact, never heard of her. ’ ’ 

Mrs. Perkins seemed wholly relieved now. 
“ I didn’t know but that she was an old 
friend. Some one told me such a funny 
story about her and a minister,” and this 
time her laughter was quite natural. 

^5 225 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“You mean — ?” Charlie inquired. 

“ He is on board — a Mr. Perry — but 
really I should not tell it, it was so funny. 
Here he comes now — and that is Mrs. Ru- 
dolph with him, isn’t it?” 

Charlie looked along the deck and then 
shook his head as though greatly puzzled. 

Professor Chase had searched for Mr. 
Perry everywhere, and at last found him in 
the smoking-room watching a game of 
cards. 

“Come,” said the Professor, “ this is an 
unhallowed spot ; it is so near the bottom of 
the ship that it strongly resembles the lower 
regions. Some time I would like to have 
your opinion whether the wicked, after death, 
will be compelled to do what they now enjoy 
doing of their own free-will. I think there 
could be no greater punishment. But we 
won’t discuss the question now. Let us 
ascend heavenwards. I want to introduce 
you to an angel — commonly known as Mrs. 
Rudolph.” 

“ You are very kind, but — but — ” 

“ No excuses,” said Profes.sor Chase 
226 


The Phaser of ihe Honeymoon 

fimily. “It is too late now. I have asked 
the lady for the privilege and she is anxiously 
awaiting your arrival.” 

Of course Mr. Perry had to consent. 
He could not do otherwi.se under the circum- 
stances ; but when Mrs. Rudolph, after the 
introduction, proposed that they should 
promenade, he tried to object. What would 
Mrs. Perry think ? 

Mrs. Rudolph, however, was accustomed 
to have her own way — with the opposite 
sex. 

“ I have seen you walking with Professor 
Chase so often,” she said, “ I am sure you 
must be fond of it.” 

“He is devoted to it.” the Professor as- 
.sured her. “ We walk for hours at a time.” 

“ Please do not hesitate on my account,” 
and she smiled so bewitchingly that cold 
chills ran up and dow'ii Mr. Perry’s spine. 
“ I love the exercise, you know.” 

She slipped her arm through his and drew 
him away. 

Professor Chase looked after them a mo- 
ment and then said half aloud: “Since he 
227 


The Pha$e<^ of the Honeymoon 


has usurped my place among the angels, per- 
haps I had better return to the lower re- 
gions;” and so saying, he went through a 
convenient doorway and descended the stairs. 

The angel and her victim promenaded 
the deck in seeming happiness, but the en- 
* joyment was far from mutual. The angel 
was a widow ; the victim had a wife. Mr. 
Perry looked anxiously about him at every 
step, in fear and trembling lest his better 
half should come upon him suddenly from 
one of the entrances. 

But Mrs. Perry was busily engaged in the 
writing-room, composing a religious poem 
about “the beautiful .sea with billowy 
crests,” and for the moment was soaring 
above life’s cares and annoyances. 

The appearance of Mrs. Higgins in the 
doorway brought her (piickly to earth again. 

“Good morning!” said that estimable 
lady. “ Writing letters ?” 

“ No — not letters.” 

“You don’t mean to say you scribble 
poetry?” exclaimed Mrs. Higgins, looking 
at the paper on the table. 

228 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ 1 did not say so,” calmly replied Mrs. 
Perry, folding her composition and secreting 
it over her heart. 

“Oh! I didn’t mean to interrupt. Mr. 
Higgins says a person that’s all the time 
meddling and interfering ought to be boiled 
in oil, and I think so, too, don’t you?” 

She was about to move away, but Mrs. 
Perry stopped her. 

“I — I wish to tell you, Mrs. Higgins,” 
she said with a great show of dignity, “ that 
Mr. Perry has e.xplained matters concerning 
that — that widow. ’ ’ 

“Oh 1 I hope there wasn’t no trouble.” 
“Certainly not. None whatever. Mr. 
Perry and I perfectly understand one another. 
Perfectly. You have misunderstood mat- 
ters.” 

“ Eh ! Perhaps so. I only told you what 
I heard her say ; that’s all.” 

‘ ‘ She must have been speaking of another. 
What did you say her name is?” 
“Rudolph.” 

“Ah! yes. 1 feel confident Mr. Perry 
knows no one by that name” 

229 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“Oh! he knows her all right enough. 
'They’re walking together round the deck 
now. ’ ’ 

“ Indeed !” 

Mrs. Perry involuntary glanced out of the 
window. 

'There was a pause and then she said, with 
strong control of her emotions under the cir- 
cumstances : ‘ ‘ Mr. Perry and I understand 
each other perfectly, Mrs. Higgins. Per- 
fectly. ’ ’ 

“I’m awfully glad,” replied Mrs. Hig- 
gins cheerfully and left the room. 

Mrs Perry drew her poetical effusion from 
its hiding place above her heart and calmly 
spread it out before her. 

Not many minutes later, the Rev. Mr. 
Perry glanced through the doorway and see- 
ing his wife, entered. 

“Ah, my dear!” he said; “another 
poem ?’ ’ 

Mrs. Perry arose and deliberately tore her 
composition into small fragments. 

“Where have you been?” she asked 
sharply. 

230 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


“Just outside, my love.” 

“With whom ?” 

“Why with — with Professor Chase most 
of the time. He is a very interesting man, 
my dear. I feel sure you would find him a — ’ ’ 

“ Frederick ! do not try to deceive me.” 

Her voice was pitched so high that the 
other occupants of the room looked up from 
their writing and listened. 

“ Not quite so loud, my dear,” whispered 
Mr. Perry, glancing about. 

“You have been with that widow,” she 
hissed. 

“ I — I have just been introduced to a lady 
— she is a — a widow, 1 suppose.” 

“You suppose! And her name is Mrs. 
Rudolph — you suppose !” 

Mr. Perry started. 

“Why yes, my dear, it is something like 
that, but — ” 

“ Frederick !” 

“Just a little lower if you please. Don’t 
— don’t become excited ” 

“ Frederick ! Come down to the state- 
room. 1 wish to speak witn you. Come!” 

231 


CHAPTER VI 


A PARTIAL ECLIPSE 



The Rev. Mr. 
Perry and his esti- 
mable wife were 
drawn up in line of 


battle. 

Mrs. Perry had 


summoned all her forces for a desperate 
attack. Mr. Perry was on the defensive. 
His strength had been greatly weakened by 
the spirited engagement of the previous even- 
ing, from which he had retreated with se- 
vere loss, but the present inactivity of the 
enemy gave him courage, and he took advan- 
tage of the opportunity to fortify his po.sition, 
and to provide needed stores of ammunition. 

“ Th — th — they’ve had a quarrel,” said 
Mr. Higgins to Profe.ssor Chase as they sat 
together in the smoking-room and discussed 
the situation . 


232 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ rhink so?” replied the Professor, in- 
differently. “ I fear it is nothing unusual. ” 

“ Reckon not. It stut — stut — started last 
evening in the ur — ur — ur — ” 

“In earnest ?” 

“ No — in the vvritin’-room. When he cue 
— cue — cue — come in, she up an’ to — to — 
“ Told?” 

‘ ‘ No — talked so loud th — that every one 
her — her — her — ’ ’ 

“ Heard ?” 

“ Yes.” 

Mr. Higgins was not at all sensitive about 
his impediment of speech, but naturally did 
not enjoy having his remarks anticipated. 
So he lapsed into silence. 

“ What caused the disagreement?” Pro- 
fessor Chase inquired after a little. 

“ Dud — dud — didn’t ask.” 

This he considered such a brilliant reply 
that it merited a repetition. 

“ Didn’t ask.” 

“Indeed!” said the Professor quietly, 
puffing at his cigar ; “ you surprise me.” 

Mr. Higgins looked at his companion 

233 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

quickly, but the latter seemed to have no 
other interest in the world than the beau- 
tiful rings of smoke ascending toward the 
ceiling. 

Presently the Professor spoke, thought- 
fully, and with great deliberation : 

“ How fortunate it would be for some 
people if marriage were what they try to 
make it.” 

Mr. Higgins was about to light his second 
cigar, but he stopped inquiringly. 

“ On the other hand,” continued the Pro- 
fe.ssor, “ how pleasant it would be if we 
were what marriage ought to make us. It 
seems strange that mortals are such stupid 
creatures. We are too intelligent. Perhaps 
it would be better for us all if we had a 
little less reasoning power and a little more 
instinct. Then we might overlook each 
other’s faults, and take our friends as we find 
them.” 

“ I always dud — dud — do take them that 
way,” Mr. Higgins assured him. 

“Perhaps you don’t find them,” said 
Professor Chase, rising. “ Well, I think I’ll 

234 


The Phases oj the Honeymoon 

ascend to the deck. My cigar is smoked, 
and the ladies must be lamenting my ab- 
sence. Farewell, for the present.” 

So saying, he flung the stump of his cigar 
into a corner and passing from the room, 
mounted the stairway. As he came out upon 
deck, he found Mrs. Perkins seated in her 
favorite spot, and all alone. 

“Is it possible?” exclaimed the Pro- 
fessor. 

“What?” she asked, laughing, for she 
had begun to understand “ the Philosopher,” 
as she called him, and was prepared for 
jokes and whimsicalities at any moment. 

‘ ‘ To think that I have the pleasure of 
finding you by yourself!” 

“ I am glad you have come to break the 
monotony,” she replied. “ PTed just left 
— to walk around. the deck a little. He 
is so fond of exercise, you know. I am sur- 
prised that you are not promenading.” 

“ Well, you see. I’ve had such a monopoly 
of the deck for the past day or two, I have 
been afraid I might wear it through. So I 
thought I would be generous and give others 

235 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

a chance to exhibit. Besides, the ‘ walk- 
ing gentleman ’ — to use a theatrical term — 
has forsaken my company. ’ ’ 

“ You mean Mr. Pattterson ?” 

“ Oh, no. He is running a side show of 
his own. I refer to my old and esteemed 
friend, the Rev. Mr. Perry. His time is 
greatly occupied at present trying to pacify 
his wife.” 

“ Have they quarreled?” 

“I prefer to ignore that question, if you 
will allow me. I am a bachelor, you know, 
and not supposed to understand the matri- 
monial estate. But I think I can safely say 
that Mrs. Perry and her husband hold a 
slight difference of opinion.” 

‘ ‘ I wonder what is the cause, ’ ’ said Mrs. 
Perkins, thoughtfully. 

“Impossible to imagine.” 

“ Do you think that — that it is some — 
some other woman ?’ ’ 

“ Well — no. They say a woman can do 
anything with a man unless he be interested 
in another, .and Mrs. Perry has certainly 
not lost her influence. Besides, the rev- 
236 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

erend gentleman does not seem inclined 
toward the society of the fair sex. I had 
the greatest difficulty persuading him to 
meet Mrs. Rudolph.” 

“Mrs. Rudolph?” 

“Yes; that attractive young widow all 
the men adore. ’ ’ 

“ But — but you did not introduce them?” 

“Yes. Yesterday.” 

“ Yesterday ? I — I thought they had met 
before. Are you sure?” 

“ Sure of what?” 

“That they — they had never met?” 

“ Positive. Why do you ask ?” 

“Oh, nothing,” she replied hesitatingly, 
and her face flushed scarlet as she thought 
of the bet her husband had made two years 
before. ‘ ‘ T — I — misunderstood. ’ ’ 

Just at that moment Fred and Charlie 
approached. 

“O Mr. Patterson!” she exclaimed, 
springing lightly to her feet; “don’t you 
feel inclined toward a little exercise?” 

“ Most certainly, if you mean in your 
society,” Charlie replied gallantly. 

237 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

' “ Why would not you allow me that 
privilege?” asked the Professor. 

“You are afraid of wearing out the deck. 
Besides others should have a chance to ex- 
hibit, you know,” and she laughed. 

“ You should give me that chance,” said 
Fred. 

Her manner changed instantly and biting 
her lips as though in vexation, she replied : 
“ You have plenty of opportunities — if you 
wi.sh them. Come, Mr. Patterson.” 

“Well, I’ll be shot,” ejaculated Fred, 
looking after his wife as she walked away 
with Charlie. “ 1 wonder if she likes him.” 

“Oh, don’t be jealous,” said the Pro- 
fessor. 

Fred started. He had forgotten that he 
was not alone. 

“I — I am not jealous,” he stammered. 
“Of course I was only jesting. Charlie is 
an awfully nice fellow, and I like Ellen to be 
fond of him, you know. Besides, he is de- 
voted to Miss Carleton, isn’t he?” 

“ That is a matter about which T consider 
myself no judge. I have never studied 
238 


The Phaser of the Honeymoon 

the question of love — although it might 
prove interesting. It has always seemed to 
me,” and his voice became serious, “that 
love is too sacred to be trifled with. If you 
or I are fortunate enough to possess such a 
treasure, we should see that nothing rob us. 
Sometimes I have thought that if my love 
nad been encouraged away back in the long 
ago — but why waste the present in regrets 
over the past?” He laughed loudly. “I 
am a hard-shelled philosopher ; not a dis- 
ciple of the tender passion.” 

“You must acknowledge though, Pro- 
fes.sor, that marriage has its advantages,” 
said Fred. 

“ Most certainly. So has war. Marriage 
is a great test of character — I should im- 
agine. T have sometimes thought that Job’s 
wife must have been a woman of very good 
disposition, for if not, what more would 
have been necessary to try his patience ? In 
my opinion. Job’s trials did not compare to 
the lifelong tribulations some people have to 
endure nowadays. I flatter myself that I 
am even-tempered and not easily ruffled, 

239 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

but if I had married — well, my company 
wouldn’t be so desirable. Ah, here comes 
my neighbor at the table. We will ask his 
opinion.” 

The old gentleman came shuffling along, 
his overcoat closely buttoned and the collar 
'turned up around his neck, while his beaver 
hat was pulled far down over his eyes. As 
he looked up from his studious observance of 
the deck, Fred beckoned to him. 

“ We wish to obtain your view upon a 
very important matter, sir,” .said the Pro- 
fes.sor. 

“Eh !” the old gentleman iiniuired, with 
his hand to his ear. 

“ We want to learn your view of some- 
thing.” 

“Oh, yes, yes I Beautiful view. The 
air is a little cold though. Haven’t seen 
any whales, have you? No. Ha-ha-ha.” 

“Speaking of fish, have you overheard 
the story about the Prince of Wales — but 
why waste time?” 

“ No,” said the old gentleman, evidently 
imagining that the conversation was still 
240 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

upon the royalty of the sea. “ No. Whales 
seem scarce. Perhaps the advance of civili- 
zation has destroyed them. Think so ? Just 
as the buffalo ha\'e rapidly decreased before 
the — the Star of Empire. Just as the poor 
Indian, driven from his native haunts, where 
he enjoyed such blissful dreams of the 
hajjpy hunting grounds, has been hedged in 
— hemmed, I might sa)- — by — by — really^ 
I consider it outrageous.” 

“ Decidedly so,” the Professor coolly re- 
plied. “The very idea of hemming an In- 
dian chief is atrocious. He ought to be 
basted. But I think the depletion in the 
(piantity of whales must be owing to ice- 
bergs. Whales are rather fastidious, you 
know, and prefer the water in their bath to 
be lukewarm. When you happen to make 
the acquaintance of one, you will find that 
he is constantly blowing about water.” 
“Eh?” 

“ I say we want to ask your opinion upon 
marriage. ’ ’ 

“You speak .so indistinctly,” protested 
the old gentleman. 

i6 2.|r 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Professor Chase repeated his remark very 
slowly, emphasizing each syllable. 

“Oh, marriage. You mean do I think 
whales marry?” 

“ No, no. Are — you — married?” 

“I? Not at pre.sent. I have been. Three 
times.” 

“ Ah ! Then you can speak as an author- 
ity. Do you think matrimony tends to ruin 
the temper?” 

“ Eh ? I am not in a temper.” 

“ I did not say that you were.” 

“But I say I am not.” 

“I asked, has — your — disposition — ^been 
— spoiled ?” 

“ Do you mean anything personal, sir?” 

“Certainly,” the Professor replied, with- 
out a thought of giving offense. “ You have 
had experience and — ” 

“You are insulting, sir,” the old gentle- 
man interrupted angrily. “ How dare you 
speak so jestingly of my private affairs? 
What business is it of yours? My last wife 
was an angel, sir — an angel.” 

“You misunderstood — ” 


242 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“It’s false! She understood me per- 
fectly,” and turning abruptly he hurried 
away. 

“Well,” said the Professor, deliberately, 
“his wife may have understood him, but 
judging from my experience I don’t see how 
in thunder he understood her. So much 
for a.sking a deaf man’s opinion upon matri- 
mony. Hereafter I’ll be satisfied with my 
own.” 

Mrs. Perkins and Charlie promenaded 
together for some time. She seemed to be 
so thoroughly enjoying it. Charlie had 
never imagined that she could be so lively 
and entertaining, and he might have found 
pleasure in the walk also had not Miss 
Carleton been sitting upon deck. Somehow 
he felt that his place was at her side, and 
there could be no real enjoyment away from 
her society. With every round of the deck 
he underwent a pricking of conscience as 
though he were di.sobeying a call from duty 
— but of course, in a more exaggerated de- 
gree — and he inwardly denounced Mrs. 
Perkins for being so devoted to exercise. 

243 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


The first time they passed Miss Carleton she 
smiled pleasantly ; the second time her smile 
was evidently forced and unnatural ; the 
third she was looking in another direction, 
and the fourth she was busily studying the 
]>assenger list. After that she took no more 
notice of Charlie than if he had never 
existed, though she may have glanced after 
him once or twice when he had passed. 

“I wonder,” she said carelessly to her 
sister, “who that girl is.” 

Mrs. Rudolph looked up from the book 
she was reading. 

“What girl?” 

“The one with — with Mr. Patterson. I 
have looked at all the probable names on 
the passenger list, but none seem to fit her.” 

“ Oh, doubtless Jones or Brown or some- 
thing,” Mrs. Rudolph replied, again becom- 
ing interested in her novel. 

Miss Carleton began at the top of the list 
of names and read them carefully through. 
Presently she uttered an exclamation of sur- 
prise. 

“That is funny,” she said. 

244 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Her sister gave no heed. 

“ Mr. Perry’s name is not on the list.” 

“What?” 

“ Mr. Perry’s name is not here.” 

Mrs. Rudolph promptly closed her book. 

“Let me look,” she said, and taking the 
paper, she quickly turned to the P’s. 

“Why, yes it is — no, this is the Rev. 
Frederick Perry and wife. That is his name, 
though.” 

• ‘ But he is certainly not a Reverend, ’ ’ 
laughed Miss Carleton. 

“ No, nor has he a wife.” 

She read over the names slowly, one by 
one: “Mr. David Pendleton, Rev. Fred- 
erick Perry, Mrs. Frederick Perry, Mr. 
Frederick Perkins — that must be he. Proba- 
bly it is a mi.sprint. ’ ’ 

“But he has a wife, too,” said Miss 
Carleton, over her sister’s shoulder. 

“ That’s true. Perhaps it is his mother — 
but then he is traveling alone. We will ask 
him about it.” 

‘ • I thought he was traveling with Mr. 
Patterson. ” 


245 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“No; because Mr. Patterson ofifered to 
escort us to Paris. Did he tell you?” 

“No.” 

“He volunteered last evening. It is 
awfully kind in him, isn’t it?” 

“ Oh, I suppose he had intended crossing 
to the Continent anyway.” 

“ No, not for two or three weeks. He 
was going to Scotland first.” 

“Oh — well. He seems inclined to be 
changeable.” 

“Why Margaret, what makes you .so in- 
different ? He is an awfully nice fellow. 1 
thought you liked him.” 

“ So I do — well enough. But I’m sure 
it is perfectly immaterial to me whether he 
accompanies us or not. Why should 1 care ?’ ’ 


246 


CHAPTER VII 


THE LAST QUARTER 

“ It seems very 
sad,” remarked 
Professor Chase, 
sliding into a 
steamer chair 
beside Mrs. 
Rudolph, “that 
mortals meet but to part.” 

“ Do you think we will reach Southamp- 
ton to-day?” Mrs. Rudolph inquired. 

“I fear not.” 

“ You fear not ?” laughed Miss Carleton 
from the other side of her sister. ‘ ‘ Are you 
in such a hurry to land ?’ ’ 

“Far from it. Landing means separation, 
and separation means sorrow.” 

“ But parting is such sweet sorrow.” 

“Yes — from some people. But I have 
made so many pleasant acquaintances while 
.247 



The Phases of the Honeymoon 

upon shipboard, that, like my room-mate, I 
could wish the voyage were to Japan, instead 
of a little excursion of only three thousand 
miles.” 

“ Does — does Mr. Patterson wish that?” 
ventured Miss Carleton. 

“ Most assuredly. Doubtless because of 
the friends h^ has made,” and he glanced at 
her slyly. 

“Yes,” she replied, innocently; “I no- 
ticed he spent most of his time yesterday 
with a certain young lady.” 

Mrs. Rudolph laughed. “He wall be« 
making Mr. Perry jealous,” she said. 

“ 1 fail to see how,” the Profes.sor replied, 
“ though it may prove my density of com- 
prehension. I'here is not much danger ol 
Mr. Patterson dancing attendance upon 
Mrs. Perry.” 

“ No, no. I don’t mean Mrs. Perry. 1 
mean the girl Mr. Patterson was with .so 
much yesterday.” 

“Mrs. Perkins?” 

“ Oh, no. I don’t know who Mrs. Per- 
kins is, but this girl is not she, I am sure.” 

2 4 & 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“She is rather short and slight,” Miss 
Carleton explained. “Some might think 
her pretty.” 

“ Yes ; that would describe Mrs. Perkins. 
But why should Mr. Perry be jealous of any 
one ? He is not interested.” 

“ Not interested I” exclaimed Mrs. Ru- 
dolph. “Why, he has been with this girl 
constantly ever since we left New York.” 

“What! This is becoming perplexing.” 

“At first I thought them engaged, but 
Mr. Patterson — ” 

“ Of course not,” Professor Chase inter- 
rupted. “ He is not a Mormon, you know.” 

“ What do you mean ?” 

“ 'Fhat he could not be engaged to marry, 
when he already has a wife.” 

“ Has a wife !” 

“ Most decidedly. Her existence is too 
evident to be questioned, even though her 
Reverend husband' might so desire.” 

“I — I don’t — oh, how funny!” and 
Mrs. Randolph burst into gay laughter. 
“You have been speaking of the Reverend 
Mr. Perry all this time.” 

249 


The Phases of the Honeytmon 

“Of course.” 

“ And I meant the other one. ” 

“ What other one?” 

“Mr. Patterson’s friend.” 

“ His friend?” 

“ Why, Professor Chase, how strange !” 

“Very. I presume not to know the 
other Mr. Perry argues myself unknown, 
but I must confess my ignorance. Surely 
you don’t mean Fred Perkins ?” 

“ Oh, no,” said Mrs. Rudolph. “ Though 
his first name is Fred, I believe.” 

Miss Carleton glanced at her sister with a 
very puzzled expression on her face. 

“1 wonder — ” she began, and then 
stopped. 

“ Mr. Patterson has but one intimate 
friend on board,” said Professor Chase, 
“and that is Mr. Perkins. They went to 
college together. That is where I had the 
pleasure of making their acquaintance.” 

“Is it possible that we — ” but Miss 
Carleton again broke off abruptly. 

“ But I do not know Mr. Perkins,” pro- 
tested Mrs. Rudolph. 

250 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


‘ ‘ Oh, yes you do, ’ ’ said the Professor — 
“ if you will forgive the contradiction. 1 
have seen you conversing with him fre- 
tiuently.” 

Mrs. Rudolph seemed perfectly bewil- 
dered. 

“You mean — ” she stammered — “but — 
but I thought — but his name is Mr. Perry.” 

“Oh, you have misunderstood.” 

“No, no. I — I could not. I have 
known him for — for years and he has never 
corrected me.” 

“ Nor has Mr. Patterson,” Miss Carleton 
said. 

“You — you spoke of a Mrs. Perkins, 
too.” 

“ Yes ; his wife.” ♦ 

“ But Mr. Perry is not married.” 

“ 'I'he clergyman certainly is, and as far 
as I know, there is no other Mr. Perry on 
board.” 

“ He is the only one mentioned upon the 
passenger list,” said Miss Carleton, “but 
we thought it must be a misprint because — 
because Mr. Patterson did not correct us.” 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Uh, there is some mistake,” exclaimed 
Mrs. Rudolph. 

“There most certainly is,” Professor 
Chase agreed. “ One of us must be wrong. 
But it will be easy to learn the truth. I’ll 
bring Mr. Perkins and we can question him. ’ ’ 

He arose from the .steamer chair and was 
about to move away, when Mrs. Rudolph 
called him back. 

“ Please do not tell him that I thought — 
that I have made a mistake,” she said. 

“ Of course not — if it be your wish.” 

“ Promise?” 

“ Certainly.” 

‘ ‘ 1 list .say that — that I would like to speak 
with him a few moments and — and if you 
don’t object, 1 — I would prefer to question 
him privately.” 

Professor Chase proceeded to where Fred 
Perkins and his wife usually sat on the other 
side of the deck, but Fred was not there. 
Mrs. Perkins was gayly chatting with Charlie 
Patterson, and not only disclaimed' any 
knowledge of her husband’s whereabouts, 
but seemed wholly indifferent. So the Pro- 


252 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

fessor wandered aimlessly forward toward 
the entrance to the saloon, and just as he 
was about to enter the Reverend Mr. Perry 
and Fred came out. 

“ Mr. Perkins,” he said ; “ Mrs. Rudolph 
wishes to speak with you.” 

“You mean — ” Fred hesitated. 

“Mrs. Rudolph.” 

“Mrs. Rudolph?” 

‘ ‘ I am simply the bearer of her message, ’ ’ 
the Professor said quietly, and turning to- 
ward Mr. Perry he asked; “do you feel 
inclined for a promenade to-day ? I w'ould 
like to obtain your further opinion upon the 
question we discussed the other day in the 
lower regions — vulgarly termed the smoking 
room. Do you think — ” 

“ Really — I — I — have no ideas this morn- 
ing,” interrupted Mr. Perry. “I am not 
feeling very cheerful.” 

“ Indeed ! long draft of this bracing 
air will refresh you wonderfully. Come, try 
a dose,” and taking him by the ami, the 
Professor proceeded to the bow. 

“ Now, just what is your idea of punish- 

253 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

meat to come?” he asked, as they leaned 
over the railing and watched the waves 
dash against the vessel’s smooth side. 

“ I — I can’t say that the subject interests 
me,” Mr. Perry replied. “ I am too much 
occupied with the present. ’ ’ 

“You mean present punishment?” 

“Yes.” Then thinking that perhaps he 
had said more than was advisable, he hastily 
added : “ I — every one has to suffer more or 
less in this world, you know.” 

“Yes, I know,” the Profe.ssor agreed. 

Mr. Perry gazed far out to sea, and sigh- 
ing, repeated softly, “More or less.” 

“Usually more,” murmured Professor 
Chase, with a pitying look at his companion. 

There was silence a few moments, then 
Mr. Perry somewhat hesitatingly inquired : 

‘ ‘ Can you — can you inform me if there is 
anything objectionable about that lady’s 
character ?' ’ 

“What lady?” and Professor Chase 
glanced about him. 

“ The one you introduced me to.” 

“Mrs. Rudolph?” 


254 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“Yes,” and he shivered slightly at the 
mention of the name. 

“ Certainly not,” said the Professor de- 
cidedly. “ She is a lady in every sense of 
the word.” 

‘ ‘ But she is a widow. ’ ’ 

“ That is to her advantage. Her husband 
was unworthy of her — that’s why he died. 
You don’t suppose she poisoned him, do 
you ? It’s not her fault that she is a widow.” 

The Professor’s customary coolness was 
rapidly deserting him. 

“ No, no,” protested Mr. Perry. “ I — I 
know nothing against her ; nothing what- 
ever. But my wife dislikes widows.” 

“Oh! your wife. Probably she covets 
their liberty.” 

“Eh!” 

“ Why should your wife object to Mrs. 
Rudolph ?” 

“ Well — I think she is a little jealous, you 
know. To be perfectly candid — although I 
do not wish to burden you with family secrets 
— Mrs. Perry and I have had a slight misun- 
derstanding. I have no doubt that every- 
255 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


thing can be readily explained, but 1 must 
acknowledge I am somewhat at a loss just 
how to go about it. You see, some one — 
well, to be frank — for, since I have told you 
part I might as well tell the whole — Mrs. 
Higgins, the wife of a gentlemen from — ” 

“She sits opposite me at table,” inter- 
rupted the Professor. 

“ Ah ! A very estimable lady, no doubt, 
but perhaps a — ^a trifle overkind and offi- 
cious. She informed my wife that she had 
overheard Mrs. Rudolph describe the drives, 
walks, and various pleasant excursions she 
enjoyed in my society. Now, really, 1 never 
saw the lady, never even heard of her until 
you — you kindly introduced me.” 

Professor Cha.se looked puzzled a few 
moments, then suddenly a thought seemed 
to strike him, and throwing back his head he 
laughed uproariously. 

Mr. Perry smiled weakly. 

“It is anything but a joke to me,” he said. 

“Don’t you understand?” cried the 
Professor. 

“No.” 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ Mrs. Rudolph was speaking of some one 
else.” 

“You think so?” and Mr. Perry’s face 
brightened. 

“Certainly. Mrs. Higgins misunderstood; 
1 am sure of it. ” 

“ I shall speak to her about it.” 

“No — no; I wouldn’t if I were you. You 
are innocent, and it is for your wife to prove 
your guilt. It will be best for you to be in- 
active in the matter. I will see that Mrs. 
Higgins learns the truth, and since she has 
caused all this trouble she must make an ex- 
planation.” Professor Chase burst into 
laughter again. “No wonder present pun- 
ishment interested you or that you thought 
every one must suffer more or less.” 

kYed Perkins respected Mrs. Rudolph’s 
wish to interview him. He could not do 
otherwise. He went, he was seen, and was 
conquered. As he walked away, after quite 
a lengthy conversation, with drooping spirits 
and humiliated pride, he ran against Charlie 
Patterson coming from one of the main 
entrances. 

17 


257 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“Well?” Charlie said, interrogatively. 

“ 'I'he jig’s up.” 

“ You mean she knows everything?” 

“Yes.” 

“I’m glad of it.” 

“But, Charlie—” 

‘ ‘ I have become heartily tired of the de- 
ception,” Charlie interrupted. “ I knew it 
would cause trouble. If you were the only 
one to suffer, it would make little or no dif- 
ference, but when you drag me into it, I say 
it’s — it’s unfriendly.” 

Evidently Charlie was not in a particu- 
larly agreeable frame of mind. 

“ But, Charlie — ” Fred began once again; 
and once again he was interrupted. 

“I felt all the time when she — they spoke 
of you as Mr. Perry, that I ought to correct 
her — them, for agreeing to the deception, 
about ) our being a bachelor and all that sort 
of rubbish, was ju.st as bad as though I had 
invented the whole outrageous — ” 

“ Oh, now don’t talk that way, Charlie,” 
Fred broke in. “I know that I am to 
blame for everything, and I am very sorry 
258 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


for it. If Mrs. Rudolph had scolded me or 
called me a lot of names, I might have 
hardened m\self, but she was so kind and 
generous that I felt as mean as though I had 
robbed her. She said that if I had had a 
little more courage to confess everything in 
the first place, there would have been no 
trouble, and I can see now how cowardly I 
acted. ’ ’ 

“Yes, if you had told her, Mr. and Mrs. 
Perry would not have quarreled.” 

“I don’t understand.” 

“You must have noticed that they are 
not upon good terms. Well, it’s all your 
fault. Profes.sor Chase has just told me that 
Mrs. Higgins overheard Mrs. Rudolph de- 
scribing to me the delightful times ‘ Mr. 
Perry ’ used to enjoy. Mrs. Higgins thought 
.she referred to the clergyman, and repeated 
the conversation to his wife. Of course, 
she believed it, and there was no end of 
trouble. ’ ’ 

“Great Scott !” Fred ejaculated. 

“ Profe.ssor Chase suggests that you ex- 
plain to Mrs. Higgins that you are the ‘ Mr. 

259 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Perry ’ alluded to, and that Mrs. Rudolph 
misunderstood your name. You need not 
tell everything, of course. Then Mrs. Hig- 
gins, in justice, will have to confess her mis- 
take to Mrs. Perry.” 

Fred hesitated a moment. 

“ Yes,” he said, presently; “I’ll do it. 
I am awfully sorry to have caused others any 
distress — I have enough of my own — and, 
by the way, old man, I — I like you to be 
attentive to Ellen, of course ; but — but .she 
is my wife, you know. ’ ’ 

“ I have not forgotten the fact,” Charlie 
responded, with dignity. 

‘ ‘ People might notice that you are with 
her a great deal, and then would wonder 
why I am not jealous. Of course, I am not, 
but — but I ought to be.” 

“Then why in thunder don’t you take 
better care of her?” Charlie cried, angrily. 
“ If she is lonely at times, who is to blame? 
She is fond of company as well as you. She 
doesn’ t enjoy being neglected any more than 
you would. Bah ! You need not remind 
me that she is your wife. Remind yourself. 

260 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

Your memory needs refreshing, even though 
you are on your honeymoon.” 

And with this burst of righteous indigna- 
tion Charlie turned sharply upon his heel 
and walked quickly away. 


CHAPTER’ VIII 


PHENOMENA CLOSE CONJUNCTION OF VENUS 

AND MARS 



Mrs. Rudolph 
and Professor 
Chase stood in the 
bow, gazing in turn 
through a telescope 


at the distant land. Such had been the 
chief occupation of the passengers for several 
hours, ever since the first rocks appeared 
far ahead upon the left ; and while the owner 
of a field glass or telescope found himself 
extremely popular, his property was even 
more so. 

“ If I were an author,” said Professor 
Chase, as he passed his telescope to Mrs. 
Rudolph, “ I suppose I would describe those 
rocks in the stereotyped way ; ‘ A low line 

like a cloud against the distant horizon,’ or 
‘ bleak, forbidding cliffs, upon which the 


202 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

angry sea lashed itself into foam. ’ Even if I 
had one or two original ideas, such as repre- 
senting rocks as ‘grim monumentsfor interred 
ships ’ or ‘ head-boards of the ocean bed, ’ I 
would be afraid to make use of them. The 
critics would assert that I strove for effect. ’ ’ 

“ But if you were a poet?” laughed Mrs. 
Rudolph. 

“Ah, that would be different. Poetical 
license covereth a multitude of sins. The 
more difficult it is to understand a poem or to 
make the lines rhyme, the better proof now- 
adays that the poet is a genius. Any one 
can scribble poetry, but very few can write 
what no one comprehends. It requires a 
great deal of practice and knowledge of 
human character. That is why a true poet 
deserves to be worshiped and to have clubs 
named after him.” 

“ Professor Chase !” called Mrs. Hi'ggins, 
a few steps distant; “when do you think 
we’ll land?” 

“ 'I'o-morrow morning,” he replied. “Al- 
though we shall probably reach Southampton 
to-night.” 


263 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

'• My stewardess told me we’d get thereat 
eleven or thereabouts.” 

“ Th-th-the Captain said tet-tet — ” 

‘ ‘ Two ?’ ’ 

“No, twelve.” 

‘ ‘ And a deck sailor just informed me 
that the hour would be’ one. Experience 
teaches that upon shipboard no two hold the 
same opinion. Life would be too monot- 
onous if they did. There would be nothing 
to quarrel 'about. All we know for a cer- 
tainty is that the vessel is hours behind time, 
probably owing to poor coal and no head 
winds to produce a draft, and that w'e shall 
not be able to land before morning.” 

“ Reckon th-th-that’s all we want to nun- 
nun — we want to know, ’ ’ said Mr. Higgins. 
“ That means bub-breakfast on bub-bub- 
board, an’ I must say I’ve enjoyed the mum- 
mum-meals. The company dud-dud-don’ t 
make nothing off me.” 

His wife laughed heartily. 

“ Mr. Higgins always did say he believed 
in eating just as much and as often as you 
can, and I think so, too ; don’t you?” 

264 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“Eating has its inducements,” said the 
Professor quietly, raising the telescope to his 
eye. “That is why the four-footed animal 
we keep in a .sty is .so wonderfully attract- 
ive.” 

'I'here was silence for a moment, then 
Mr. Higgins said abruptly, “Reckon we 
better had gug-gug-go down an’ pup-pack. ’ ’ 

“ Yes,” Mrs. Higgins assented, “ I reckon 
we better had. ’ ’ 

“ It isn’t very difficult to rid yourself of 
some people’s society,” murmured the Pro- 
fessor, still gazing through the telescope, “if 
one only knows how. We are nearing land 
now, and it is time to begin to forget a few 
intimate friends.” 

As he ceased speaking there was the sound 
of voices from behind — voices pitched in a 
high key of argument. Fred and Charlie 
came around the bow, talking and gesticu- 
lating, and so interested were they in ani- 
mated debate that they approached quite near 
the others before noticing their presence. 

‘ ‘ Politics or religion ?’ ’ the Professor in- 
quired calmly. 


265 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


“I hope you have not been quarreling,” 
said Mrs. Rudolph, and she laughed, though 
somewhat nervously. 

“Oh! no,” Charlie replied, laughing in 
return ; “ we never quarrel.” 

“ We were just — ^just talking about some- 
thing,” said Fred. “Charlie thinks I ought 
to — to do something and — ” 

“ I’m sure it maUes no difference to me,” 
Charlie interrupted. 

“Only as you are interested in me, of 
course. ’ ’ 

“ I simply gave my advice. If you don’t 
choose to take it — ” 

“ But I don’t think it best, you know. I 
— I would like to speak to you about it, 
Mrs. Rudolph, if I may.” 

“ Certainly,” she replied. “Though I 
cannot promise to advise.” 

They crossed to the other side of the bow 
and leaned against the railing. 

“You have been awfully kind to me,” 
Fred began. 

“Oh, skip my generosity,” laughed Mrs. 
Rudolph. 


266 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“ But I want to thank you. I have acted 
outrageously and — ” 

‘ ‘ Say rather, thoughtlessly. ’ ’ 

“ Yes, very. It has taught me a lesson. If 
I had not practiced deceit in the first place 
all this trouble would never have occurred.” 

“ Oh ! don’t feel so badly about it,” Mrs. 
Rudolph responded cheerfully. '• Every- 
thing is e.xplained now and we are very good 
friends. ’ ’ 

“Yes, but — ” he hesitated a moment and 
then continued, “ Ellen is angry.” 

“ Your wife ?” 

“ Yes. She says that I have been deceiv- 
ing her also, and that I should have confessed 
everything long ago.” 

“ It would have been a great deal better.” 

“Yes; I — I was too cowardly I suppose. 
She is such an awfully good girl, you know. 
I wish I knew how to make peace.” 

“You really would like to know?” 

“I would give anything.” 

“I’ll tell you. Oo to her and reveal 
everything. Don’t omit what may api)ear 
as the smallest trifle and above all, don’t 
267 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

spare yourself. Say that you feel miserable 
without her forgiveness ; that you know 
you have done wrong ; and that you are 
heartily sorry. Then throw yourself upon 
her mercy.” 

“That’s what Charlie advised, but — ” 

“ Surely you will not allow pride to stand 
in the way?” Mrs. Rudolph interrupted. 

“Oh! no. It’s not that, you know. I 
am willing to do anything to make peace, 
but — but 1 don’t want to give Ellen a tight 
hold of the whip handle all to no pur- 
pose. ’ ’ 

“ It’s the only way in this case. I have 
never met your wife, but I think I under- 
stand her better than you do. Mr. Patterson 
and I have given you good counsel. Try 
it.” 

“I will,” Fred resolutely replied. 

In the meantime Profes.sor Chase and 
Charlie had been discussing a subject of very 
like nature, while philosophy played the part 
of a foot-ball. The Professor’s experience 
aided him, and he won the game, though 
not without considerable opposition, the 
268 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

foot-ball suffering disfigurement in conse- 
quence. 

“ I advised Fred to confess everything,” 
Charlie had said. 

“You could not have counseled better,” 
the Professor assured him, “ since Mrs. Per- 
kins is Mrs. Perkins. Mrs. Perry would 
have to be treated differently. No two 
women are at all alike. Take Miss Carle- 
ton, for instance.” He glanced at Charlie 
keenly and nodded to himself, as though 
satisfied at the re.sult of his words. 

“Mrs. Rudolph says you are going to 
conduct them to Paris,” the Professor con- 
tinued, still watching his companion closely. 

“ Yes, I — I had thought of it.” 

‘ ‘ A good idea — under the circumstances. 
Would you like to learn a secret ?” 

“Well ?” 

“ You are in love.” 

“ I fear so.” 

“Fear so. Why?” 

“A case of unrequited affection,” and 
Charlie laughed, with a very good imitation 
of spontaneity. 


269 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

“H’m!” Professor Chase grunted. 
“ Much you understand women. If you 
care for the girl, why do you quarrel with 
her?” 

“I don’t.” 

‘ ‘ Then why does she quarrel with you ?’ ’ 

“ Probably because she doesn’t like me.” 

“Nonsense! She is a sensible girl. I 
admire her pride. She thinks you fickle — 
and I don’t blame her, since you suddenly 
ceased your attentions to her and devoted 
yourself to a married woman. ’ ’ 

“ Confound it !” Charlie exclaimed. “1 
didn’t wish to spend my time with Fred’s 
wife. I couldn’t help myself. It was all 
Fred’s fault for deserting her.” 

“ Miss Carleton doesn’t knov/ that. Be- 
sides, she thinks you were in league with 
your chum to deceive her.” 

“ But I wasn’t.” 

“She doesn’t know that, either. Take 
my advice, and practice what vou preach. 
Don’t be a sign-post.” 

“You mean — ” 

“ Go to Miss Carleton and explain mat- 
270 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 


ters — not as though she required an explana- 
tion, for then she would probably say, very 
coolly, that it made not the slightest differ- 
ence in the world. But tell her the whole 
story, just as though nothing had come be- 
tween you, and be sure to confound your 
friend up-hill and down dale for not keeping 
his troubles locked within his breast She 
will understand matters then, and secretly 
join with you in the confounding. My 
blessing go with thee,” and the Professor 
held out his hand. 

“ Thank you,” said Charlie. “ I believe 
you are right. There is no time like the 
present. ’ ’ 

He turned abruptly and walked away, 
while the Professor smiled and nodded in 
approval, murmuring to himself, “Another 
honeymoon will soon illumine the matri- 
monial sky. How fortunate some mortals 
are !” 

The day was growing old and gray in the 
mists of evening. The sun, .sinking to rest 
far beyond the stretch of rolling waters, 
painted the clouds in brilliant colors and 
271 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

tipped the crests of the waves with rosy 
light. Gradually the sky lost its radiant 
tints, the light faded, and through the 
gathering darkness the full moon shone out 
clear and bright. 

One by one the pa.ssengers left the deck 
till it was almost de.serted and everything 
was still. 

Then could be seen a couple, a very young 
couple, slowly proceeding toward the bow, 
never stopping till they had attained the 
utmost available point. There they stood, 
so close, so very, very close, that the fair 
round moon smiled in satisfaction. 

Presently another couple, wandering aim- 
lessly, took up their position well forward, 
and so ‘ ‘ far from the madding crowd ’ ’ 
were they, so near to one another, that the 
little stars winked slyly at the planets, and 
the night wind slackened its speed that it 
might overhear a few stray words. 

Then in the silence, while one happy 
couple stood in the very point of the bow, 
and the other leaned contentedly against the 
railing, the bell stnick .the hour, and the 
272 


The Phases of the Honeymoon 

lookout from his position far uj) on the mast 
cried cheerily, “All’s well !” 

“All’s well!” repeated the officer upon 
the bridge. 

And the little stars winked at the planets, 
the face of the bright moon broadened into 
one vast smile, and the gentle wind caught 
up the cry, echoing it in music o’er the sea : 
“All’s well! All’s well!” 


THE END 


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